Beinn nan Imirean

[bootsandpaddles]

We parked on the A85 at Auchessan (NN447276), crossed the River Dochart and walked along to the farm buildings. There is a wooden signpost indicating two ways onto the hills: we took the route left which led to a burn. After a short while the track branches and again we followed the left hand branch over another small bridge. (The other branch goes up the opposite bank of the burn and is equally as good.) Then it was just a case of following the burn uphill, more or less due north, then north east and finally east until we reached the broad ridge going over Meall Garbh and then up to the summit of Beinn nan Imirean.

Once we reached the snow line there was a thick covering of hoar frost that sparkled in the bright sun. We saw some antlers protruding from the snow and closer inspection revealed a dead stag, maybe one that had died of starvation. There were great views of Ben More,

Ben Lui

and Sgiath Chuil

on the way up and from the summit we could see Beinnn Heasgarnich

and Ben Challum as well as lots of other hills in the distance. As it was still quite early we decided to go across to Meall Glas

, going back down the way we had come for about 600m before traversing round to the bealach between the two hills. The sun was very warm as we toiled up the slopes of Meall Glas.

The snow was soft enough not to require the use of crampons. After lunch at the top we toyed with the idea of continuing on to Beinn Cheathaich but the more geriatric member of the party decided that she had had enough! So we slid on our bums a good way down the hill and made it back to the car after about 5 ½ hours.

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[sloosh]

After lunch at the top we toyed with the idea of continuing on to Beinn Cheathaich but the more geriatric member of the party decided that she had had enough!

Oh! You were so close as well. Nevermind, you can do it another day.

Looks like you had a terrific day. Ideal conditions.

[Alastair S]

Looks like another great day in them those hills...

[m3doc]

Hi b&p! Your route description to Meall Garbh says N, NE & E but appears to be N, NNW then W.