A natter with Munroists

[L-Hiking]

Today was our 4th day in the Highlands which so far had consisted of cold winds, mist rain and hail, so not much to shout about so far or no increase on my hill count north of the border other than the hike up Ben Lidi in the clag on our first day.
Today was different the sun was shining and things looked promising, only thing was I had had a couple of drams too many in the Kenmore Hotel and I was suffering a little! A shower and plenty of liquid and I was soon feeling much much improved. We were away by 11 am with the intention of completing a quick Munro in Glen Lyon, Meall Buidhe was our target sitting gracefully above Loch an Daimh and so I understood commands a wonderful 360 degree view at the summit.
Parking close to the dam there were already two other cars in position with no sign of any walkers on the hills. We had climbed Stuchd an Lochain previously and had been luck with the weather on that day hopefully this day was going to be the same.

Looking back to the dam and car parking

Loch an Daimh

Stuchd an Lochain

The track wanders up the hill via a track bypassing an information board, the path is clear at first and ventures onto a track which travels along the loch shore, however the ground after this track was becoming wet and covered in peat bogs, it became a matter of finding the best route up and trying to keep as dry as possible.

Meall Ghaordaidh

We passed a group sat on a rock outcrop as we went on our way up eating their lunch, and gave us a cheery wave. The path tends to lead north and then branches ENE over towards Meall a’ Phuill which was much drier and easier going. The cairn at the top is easily visible and a direct path leads to it.
The view back towards Stuchd an Lochain was excellent and the lochan was now coming into view nestled below those sheer cliffs, as was other mountains in particular the Lawers Hills were looking impressive with their snow capped summits.
At the top of Meall a’ Phuill the cairn of our objective came into view the views were absolutely fantastic a 360 degree panorama only the Ben itself was covered in cloud. This is why we all enjoy hill walking and come back time and again. It was really jaw dropping.

Peat Haggs

Meall Buidhe

It was as we drank our coffee and sandwiches at the summit cairn and sheltering from the cold wind and of course a practice with the camera ( I don’t think I will ever get the hang of all the options for taking photos) that i noticed the party of 4 approaching who had waved at us earlier on our walk.
I began chatting to a young lady of at least 70 years of age when she asked me if I knew the names of many of the distant hills. This was my chance to show off or make myself look an idiot. I made it easy and pointed out the position of the Ben, Glen Coe and the Lawers range, dead chuffed I was. This sprightly 70 year old then said that she was a Munroist! I thought for a second which probably was longer, then she laughed obviously thinking that I had tried to explain the locations of hills which she had conquered.
I was in awe, it got better as her colleagues approached who all seemed older still and following introductions, two more were Munroists and all hailed from County Durham.

Wow at the top of Meall Buidhe in the company of Munroists with wonderful views it does not get any better than this. The disappointing weather of the last few days was forgotten and the discussion was around The Cuillin. Bidean and An Teallach.

Too Meall a'Phuill and Crianlarich giants in the distance

I think this is the Achaladair group of hills?

Lawers Hills

Schiehallion

Glen Coe and Rannoch Moor

Carol and I had a great day today and thoroughly enjoyed this walk, the late start due to my poorly head had worked out perfectly and the return journey was a delight. Back to the Lawers Hotel now for a well deserved pint

[simon-b]

Looks like you had a great day, LH. I didn't meet a soul on Meall Buidhe. Nice to see you got the views.

[L-Hiking]

Thanks Simon

It was a great day out

[SusieThePensioner]

Geoff, I'm so glad you and Carol got to have better weather
Loved your report and some great photos

I was suffering a little

all hailed from County Durham.

Hurrah!! Wonderful people live in County Durham; such as me of course and Johnkaysleftleg (as you know)

[johnkaysleftleg]

Missed this one when you posted it Geoff, some wonderful views and sounds a really nice day out. One to put on the list for when we next return that way on our wanderings

Wonderful people live in County Durham; such as me of course and Johnkaysleftleg (as you know)

Only problem is he's met me now

[L-Hiking]

Missed this one when you posted it Geoff, some wonderful views and sounds a really nice day out. One to put on the list for when we next return that way on our wanderings

Cheers Anthony look forward to the next time

Geoff, I'm so glad you and Carol got to have better weather Loved your report and some great photos

Thanks Susie, still getting the hang of posting photos on to the site I got them too small DUUURRRRR