Walkhighlands

Four of us had decided on Friday that we would go and do a recce of Creag Mohr (Meall na Aighean) so that John could put it on as a SHC walk next year. He had been studying the maps and had came up with a route from Fortingall. Early start in Stirling to arrive in Fortingall at about 09:15. Beautiful bright crisp morning as we parked in front of the Fortingall Hotel, suited and booted and we were off at 09:25. walking west along the B class road towards Glenlyon House. We had the intention of walking up through the farm next to Glenlyon House but a private no hill access sign made us re-think our route. A quick look at the map and we found an alternative, along to the junction and take the Glen Lyon road. Follow this for 700 meters and turn right at the Artrasgairt Cottages. Past the houses (keeping quiet), over the gate and across the field. In the corner of this field the farmer has dug a pit and burying his dead sheep, not the best smell to encounter first thing on a Sunday morning. Through the next gate and over the field and head east, uphill keeping to the right. This brought us on to our original planned track. Turned left here and followed the track uphill running parallel to the Allt Odhar burn. There were Pheasants and Grouse aplenty. Sun was shining and good clear visibility offered us good views down to Fearnan on the side of Loch Tay. Continuing to follow this track to the end of the trees on your right you are met by a gate with a sign from Glen Lyon estate encouraging you to call them before entering during the deer stalking season. A quick phone call advised us that there is no stalking on a Sunday. Here we left the path and headed left (SW) up the slope of Beinn Dearg. A quick photo opportunity at the summit and on, past the 680m spot height and up to the summit of Creag Mohr. Some more photo's and off again, slight descent and then the climb up to the 904m spot height. This is where we made a mistake. Here we sat and had lunch thinking this was the summit of Meall na Aighean. After lunch we noticed our mistake so headed for the true summit at 981m. This part of the walk was fantastic! Crisp snow, sunshine, blue skies and no wind. They do not get any better than this! From the summit we headed initially south west and then north swinging north east to descent down into the upper reaches of Gleann Muilinn. Heading south, south east we found the path and followed this all the way out the glen back to the gate and the Glen Lyon estate sign. From here we retraced our route in back but this time we threw caution to the wind and continued on our original planned route through the farm and on to the road. Turning left and arriving back at the car for 15:40.

A brilliant walk in excellent conditions. First winter hill this season and hopefully the first of many.

Thanks to Derek, John and Hugh for the company.