I had made an early morning attempt on Ben Lawers (via Beinn Ghlas) in early May but was thwarted by blizzard conditions 100m from the summit, not one to be easily defeated I was soon planned a future trip for a few weeks later, this time a circuit of Lochan nan Cat would be the itinerary finishing with Ben Lawers.
The weekend plans were originally to head up to Glen Affric with my mountaineering club but that all fell through when my boss asked me to work the Sunday (I'm still new in the job so couldn't really decline) this gave me the perfect opportunity for my second attempt on Ben Lawers.
I'd left Ardrossan early on Friday evening and arrived at the Ben Lawers hotel a few hours later, as I planned to set off in the early hours of Saturday morning I thought I'd best to ask permission to use the hotel carpark (and consume a couple of lovely local beers at bar).
I caught a few hours sleep in the car before setting off at 3:45am, although it was dark there was enough light to easily see where I was going.
Within half an hour I'd passed the the tree line and the light levels had increased more giving me my first view of the morning of Loch Tay....
......and my first view of the route ahead
The sun was starting to come up as I traversed into the shadow of Meall Greigh
Within a few minutes the first rays were illuminating the more southernly hills
Then it was Ben Lawers turn
I reached the Summit of Meall Greigh at 6am, a mist was starting to accumulate and the temperature was dropping but I was busy searching the depths of my rucksack for snacks............then I looked up and saw this
The remainder of the route was shrouded in clag but was still an enjoyable walk
.......especially the scramble up to the top of An Stuc
After lunch at the bealach between An Stuc and Ben Lawers the clag lifted slightly and finally gave me a view of Lochan nan Cat
I reached the trig point at Ben Lawers at 10:30am, unfortunately still bathed in thick clag
I took a compass reading and headed south emerging out of the clag to views of Loch Tay
...and a close encounter with a Ptarmigan
I ended the day back at the Ben Lawers hotel with a cracking lunch and got home with time for a few hours sleep before heading out for a well deserved night on the town..............slàinte mhath
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Warning
Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.
Lochan nan Cat circuit with a Brocken Spectre
Lochan nan Cat circuit with a Brocken Spectre
by smalltounboy » Tue May 27, 2014 9:11 pm
Munros included on this walk: An Stuc, Ben Lawers, Meall Garbh (Ben Lawers), Meall Greigh
Date walked: 24/05/2014
Time taken: 9 hours
Distance: 19.2 km
Ascent: 1500m
4 people think this report is great. Register or Login free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).Re: Lochan nan Cat circuit with a Brocken Spectre
by snowgoose » Wed May 28, 2014 9:51 pm
Well done - there's dedication for you. Stunning pic of the Brocken Spectre - could so easily have missed it.
- snowgoose
- Mountaineer
- Posts: 92
- Joined: Dec 23, 2013
Re: Lochan nan Cat circuit with a Brocken Spectre
by mrssanta » Wed May 28, 2014 11:09 pm
That's the best Brocken spectre picture ever!
Re: Lochan nan Cat circuit with a Brocken Spectre
by smalltounboy » Thu May 29, 2014 7:05 am
mrssanta wrote:That's the best Brocken spectre picture ever!
Thank you, took my breath away when I first saw it, just glad I got a photo before it disappeared
Re: Lochan nan Cat circuit with a Brocken Spectre
by londonwalker » Sat May 31, 2014 3:20 pm
Have to agree with Mrs S - love the broken spectre shot and the selfie on lawers is a real cool shot too
Re: Lochan nan Cat circuit with a Brocken Spectre
by Fife Flyer » Sat May 31, 2014 8:08 pm
Nice one, agree with previous comments re the BS
Setting off in the dark is real dedication


Setting off in the dark is real dedication

4 people think this report is great. Register or Login free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
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