Achaladair and a'Chreachain

[U059361]

A long walk for the hottest day of the year. Walked along the Water of Tulla as recommended by WH route.
Achalladar and remains of tower by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
The ford over the Allt Ur was OK once I picked a decent spot.
Beinn an Dothaidh from the ford on Allt Ur by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Beyond that was another one where the ground was very boggy and took a detour to get over it. After that it was dusty walking along the track and over the river towards the turn off for the next crossing.
BEINN A'CHREACHAIN and BEINN ACHALADAIR by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
The sign says footpath to hill and bridge. On going down I thought it had been rebuilt, but when I got to it was not yet fit for purpose.

Not quite ready for crossing yet.

I went further up stream and with a bit of effort got across with dry feet. Drank lots of water on the climb up from Watrer of Tulla. Bracken bog, faint path disappearing, but still made the fence when I climbed up the final bank away from the river. The deer fence and the Allt Coire an Lochain make it obvious where you have to go next. It was a bit better under foot the higher up I walked. Stopped for lunch on the side of the Coire with a view over the lochan.
Coire an Lochain and Lochan a'Chreachain by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
There was a wind, but it was warm too. Glad to get up on the ridge and soon at top of a'Chreachain.
a'Chreachain top and Achaladair by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Hadn't seen anyone until now. Then everyone seemed to come along at once from the other direction. I was warned about the steep climb on Achaladair and the alternative path below Meall Buidhe if I didn't want to walk the ridge. I took it but it was a bit painful walking along the slope for so long.
The climb up Achaladair was fine as it zigzags up a fairly good route with no scrambling.
Beinn a'Chreachain from Achaladair by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Great view up top with Loch Tulla, Rannoch Moor and all the hills around. Walked right along the ridge line all the way back to the drop down to Coire Achaladair. Good walking on firm grass.
Beinn an Dothaidh from Achaladair by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Looking down Allt Coire Achaladair to car park by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
The path in the Coire itself is pretty rough and boggy in parts further down. It was not the best path I've walked. Glad to see the car park and I was the last to leave.
Looking back up Coire Achaladair by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr

[rockhopper]

cracking day for this walk - did look hot right enough - cheers