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Panther contra Lyon

Panther contra Lyon


Postby BlackPanther » Tue Apr 14, 2015 5:47 pm

Route description: Càrn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Càrn Mairg & Creag Mhòr

Munros included on this walk: Càrn Gorm, Càrn Mairg, Creag Mhòr (Meall na Aighean), Meall Garbh (Càrn Mairg)

Date walked: 05/04/2015

Time taken: 8 hours

Distance: 18 km

Ascent: 1300m

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Apologies for late posting, this TR describes a walk we did on Easter weekend.

Easter Sunday gifted us with splendid weather. After miserable Saturday and walking in cloud, I was more than happy to wake up to glorious sunshine. The plan was hatched to up my Munro count by tackling Glen Lyon horseshoe.
Kevin had done these before, in 1995 I think, a long time ago it was so he didn't mind re-doing the circuit, especially in winter-ish conditions. By winter-ish I mean snow higher on the ridge and the necessity to carry crampons & axes, but the temperature was rather summer-ish :lol:
I was all for the encounter with Lyon :wink:
It's a long drive from Inverness down to Invervar, but Black Arrow works fine (she better did! for what we paid for her :lol: ) and we arrived in Invervar just before 9 o'clock. It was a busy little car park, just after us two other cars parked and it was full! No surprise though, we expected to see other walker on this route, it's a popular circuit and weather was great.
We had a dilemma if we should take winter gear, decided to carry it all just in case. I know that this time of the year it's less than likely we are going to need axes or crampons, but caution prevailed once more.
Black Arrow is getting used to travelling around... and being dirty all the time :lol: :lol:
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Only when we were leaving I realised I forgot to pack in sunscreen, which in my case is not just a matter of having red face after day's walk. I have severe UV allergy and too much exposure ends up in 2nd degree burns. Of course I decided to go on with the climb, hoping that April sun won't be as strong as I was afraid of. In the end, I didn't get any severe burns, but I was pretty swollen up on Monday!
I guess I paid the price for being forgetful :lol: :lol:
Our route was a classic circuit of Glen Lyon Munros:

Track_GLEN LYON 05-04-15.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts


We crossed the road and took the path just beside the river (some other folks just in front of us were actually chased off the main approach by an angry landowner, so we didn't take any risk) and I was glad we went this way, because we came across this interesting structure:
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The village of Inver was once employed in the production of flax and this building, a disused 18th century lint mill, is a reminder of the old times.
We walked through the forest (an OK path) in good moods, but as soon as we emerged out of the woods, we were horrified by the new, bulldozed track going up the hill... It seems another mini hydro scheme is under construction here :( I'm not against renewable energy as such, but why do we have to spoil all the most scenic glens in Scotland??? :evil: :evil:
Luckily, there is a signposted detour for hillwalkers... Originally we planned to climb the Lyon four clockwise, but having seen the nasty scar, we decided to go anticlockwise and get it out of our view as soon as possible.
Looking down from just above the main track:
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The upper glen has been scarred, too:
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The climb up the western shoulder of Creag Mhor (aka Meall na Aighean) is steep but on a good, well worn path. I was so relieved to be higher up and lose the sight of the bulldozed track. Now it was all back to normal:
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It was hotter than expected and we had to strip to t-shirts...
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Ignore this track if you are going up Creag Mhor:
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The climb, apart from getting boiled alive, was rather uneventful. We overtook a few people and a few others overtook us (travelling light without rucksacks - hmm, maybe I'm an old, boring trekker, but I wouldn't risk it this time of year). Views were spectacular already:
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The summit of Creag Mhor comes into view:
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Definitely a busy day!
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My Munro count goes on - no. 159 and there were three more yet to come that day! Kevin was repeating Lyon circuit, so he just stood there and smiled at Panther catching up :wink:
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We found a comfortable rock to sit on and had a long break - why hurry? The group without rucksacks went on, running towards the second Munro, but I preferred to stretch my paws, have a cuppa and enjoy the views...
Kevin bewildered...
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Lawers ridge to the south:
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Schiehallion:
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View west, endless white hills:
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The descent from Creag Mhor to the col leading to the second top was easy on soft snow. The slopes of Carn Mairg didn't look too difficult, either:
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We charged on, taking the snowy slopes, it proved tiring as the angle was quite steep. The soft, slushy snow didn't make the ascent easier, but eventually we emerged on the summit area of the second Munro, gasping for breath and sweating all over. I grabbed a handful of snow and rubbed it in my face. Booooaaaaah! That's what I needed!
But the sweat and pain were quickly forgotten just by looking around...
Creag Mhor from Carn Mairg and Panther still not too red :wink:
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We scrambled to the top of a small tor just to the left from the actual summit cairn - an interesting vantage point I think:
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The Mamores and Ben Nevis:
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Lawers Range to the south:
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Me and Schiehallion:
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The rest of the ridge made me jump for joy - so much more mountain porn yet to come!
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The tor and Ben Lawers behind, seen from the summit cairn:
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Kevin trigger happy :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Panoramas are extensive - to the north-east, the massif of Cairngorms and the Drumochter hills:
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Cairngorms zoomed:
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We didn't take a long break on Carn Mairg, decided to traverse to the third Munro first. The ridge in weather as we had, is easy to follow and a line of fenceposts would be helpful in misty conditions:
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Zoom to Nevis:
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To the south-west, just white, white summits and nothing else...
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Not another Munro just yet, but an intermediate top of Meall a'Bharr. This top has three different cairns along the ridge, not sure which one marks the highest point... I chose the nicest one :lol:
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From Meall a'Bharr, it's an easy traverse to the next Munro, Meall Garbh. As we descended to the col between the two, we began to meet people doing the circuit clockwise. I counted six walkers, all of them very happy and very red :lol: :lol:
Meall Garbh from the col:
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Another short climb, not too steep this time, more slushy snow but no crampons needed:
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Views to kill for...
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Not much wildlife on this walk, but we found one hedgehog... :lol:
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Lawers group from Meall Garbh:
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To the final Munro of the day, Carn Gorm:
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Ahhh whatta day!
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Western pano with Nevis in the centre:
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Zoom to Glen Coe:
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Couldn't resist a nap... That killed my face...
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Another longer break and as we sat by the cairn, we observed another couple passing by. She carried only a camera, he had a large, full-packed rucksack and seemed to struggle to keep up with her :lol:
Kevin looked at me and asked - would you ever do that to me?
Don't worry - I answered - I'm pretty capable of carrying my own stuff!
Our rucksacks didn't look that big anyway...
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OK, it's time to face Carn Gorm:
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We skipped An Sgorr and followed a well-worn path (where it was visible under snow, that is) towards the slopes of Carn Gorm. Views were still superb:
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The final climb:
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I was beginning to feel the burning touch of the sun by then and when we reached the summit of my Munro no. 162, all I could think of was finding some shelter...
Turning red:
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A few photos from the top of Carn Gorm:
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At least we could now have a good look at the two Munros we climbed the day before and admire the ridge we walked in total whiteout:
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Lawers Ridge:
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The best day on the hills this year so far! I couldn't miss the opportunity to take even more pictures... Behind me, Carn Mairg and Creag Mhor:
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Kevin trigger happy... yet again! Can't blame him...
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The return down to Glen Lyon initially follows the easy upper slopes of Carn Gorm. Easy, because they were covered with soft snow, quick to run down on:
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Red Panther:
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Lower down, a path lead us towards the edge of the forest. It was wet (melting snow turned it into a fast flowing stream) but we managed to stay upright all the way down :lol:
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Finally, the path follows the river which was very much in spate:
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We crossed the wee metal bridge:
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The rest of the descent followed the nasty, bulldozed track so no photos from this part but I still think I posted too many :roll: :roll:

8 hours it took but we didn't exactly rush it, considering the superb weather it was worth to stay up on the ridge for that additional hour or two...
Monday was too painful for me to even consider going out on the hills but no regrets whatsoever. I faced the Lyon and returned victorious even if a bit red and swollen :wink: Meow!
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BlackPanther
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby The Rodmiester » Tue Apr 14, 2015 6:17 pm

Hi BP, well what can I say, WHAT A DAY! :D you made full use of the fabulous walking conditions. Sometimes when you head for the hills and you get a day as good as that and you only do a single hill you feel cheated, but a day such as that warranted a FULL day on the hills, great stuff, good call. :wink: :D

Definately worth a bit of sunburn :)
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby BlackPanther » Wed Apr 15, 2015 10:27 am

The Rodmiester wrote:Hi BP, well what can I say, WHAT A DAY! :D you made full use of the fabulous walking conditions. Sometimes when you head for the hills and you get a day as good as that and you only do a single hill you feel cheated, but a day such as that warranted a FULL day on the hills, great stuff, good call. :wink: :D

Definately worth a bit of sunburn :)


Thanks, Rod :D Once in a while a day like that arrives, when everything comes together for a perfect Munro round. Well, almost everything :lol:

The day after... Botched botox face!
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby dooterbang » Wed Apr 15, 2015 11:22 am

Loving the botox look BP - makes you look 10 years younger :wink:

Can't believe you forgot the sun cream, such a rookie mistake...and you a woman of such experience :lol:

I burnt my lips two weeks ago when doing the Blackmount Munros, and I was wearing protection :shock:

Nice round of hills these, with great views across Loch Rannoch.

Cheers.
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby basscadet » Wed Apr 15, 2015 12:13 pm

Oh looks like sore face.. :? I always have the sunscreen in, never gets taken out, but find that if I need the cream, its so hot I'm pouring with sweat all day and no amount of cream application stops the burn :(

We were up that way a few months ago, and were also dismayed by the carnage in the glen - used to be such a tranquil little spot.. Still really bonny hills for a tromp about :D
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby rockhopper » Wed Apr 15, 2015 10:25 pm

Cracking day, BP :thumbup: Even the "metal" cairn looks good with some snow on it. You're not the only one who forgets the sun lotion - often guilty of it myself. Wondered if you're missing your red car ? - cheers :)
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby Huff_n_Puff » Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:36 am

Enjoyable as ever BP, and wonderful photos, had me looking at the ones I took almost exactly 10 years ago on these hills, a lot less snow and not such good views :roll: Glen Lyon is one of my favourite glens and a fitting place for a panther :lol:
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby BlackPanther » Thu Apr 16, 2015 6:39 pm

Cheers, everyone :D :D

Huff_n_Puff wrote:Enjoyable as ever BP, and wonderful photos, had me looking at the ones I took almost exactly 10 years ago on these hills, a lot less snow and not such good views :roll: Glen Lyon is one of my favourite glens and a fitting place for a panther :lol:


Thanks, I felt like I was in my element there, shame it's so far away from Inverness...
I also had a good look at Kevin's photos from his first visit here, it was a hazy summer day so not as bright as this time. And not as many - 1995 was well before the digital era.

rockhopper wrote:Cracking day, BP :thumbup: Even the "metal" cairn looks good with some snow on it. You're not the only one who forgets the sun lotion - often guilty of it myself. Wondered if you're missing your red car ? - cheers :)


Ah the hedgehog cairn :lol: Kevin's idea, made me laugh.
The first time we went shopping with the new car I was still looking for a red Toyota, when we left the shop :lol: I hope somebody buys her and gets a few more years out of her, she was still in good condition, only 7 years old and well cared for.

basscadet wrote:Oh looks like sore face.. :? I always have the sunscreen in, never gets taken out, but find that if I need the cream, its so hot I'm pouring with sweat all day and no amount of cream application stops the burn :(
We were up that way a few months ago, and were also dismayed by the carnage in the glen - used to be such a tranquil little spot.. Still really bonny hills for a tromp about :D


My face is back to normal now, after a few red days and a few itchy-peeling off ones :wink:
I saw many spoiled glens over the last couple of years: Gleouraich, Cia-aig, Fionn Bheinn and now this. The approach to my local Corbett has been bulldozed all over. Plus the windfarm project in Glen Affric. Too much for my nerves :(

dooterbang wrote:Loving the botox look BP - makes you look 10 years younger :wink:

Can't believe you forgot the sun cream, such a rookie mistake...and you a woman of such experience :lol:

I burnt my lips two weeks ago when doing the Blackmount Munros, and I was wearing protection :shock:

Nice round of hills these, with great views across Loch Rannoch.


Botox effect for free... Thanks a lot, I didn't realise I needed the treatment :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
I was kicking myself when I noticed the bottle was not in my rucksack, but it's not the first time I forgot to take something... My woolly hat once, in January :? Walking poles when doing the Innses... I left my camcorder half way up one of Knoydart Corbetts and only remembered down in the glen - Kevin had to run back up to retrieve it. Not to mention half a dozen pairs of sunglasses, lost somewhere on the way :lol: :lol:

BTW, a week off is coming and weather forecast looks good... Yuppie!!! :D :D
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby JimboJim » Thu Apr 16, 2015 7:03 pm

Great photo's and report!

Weren't the estate owners up in arms about the damage walkers were causing to wildlife and the environment, doing these hills?!
I suppose bulldozing roads is just fine, then. :?
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby bdearg » Thu Apr 16, 2015 10:24 pm

That was a good walk ,got a bit of sunburn too,am lucky only tan, the joy of working out doors all your life... ps had her purse in rucksack which slowed me down. :lol:
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby scottishkennyg » Fri Apr 17, 2015 6:01 pm

Cracking day there you both got as reflected in the quality of the images. :clap:
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby Yorjick » Sun Apr 26, 2015 12:41 pm

I am envious of your ability to make such good use of the weather. I did Stob a'Choin on Good Friday in very different conditions (claggy) but had to head down to Yorkshire, fully aware of the good weather forecast over the next few days. The Carn Mairg group has always been a bit of a funny one to do, the owners claiming that the area was a deer reserve and directing walkers to keep to the main ridge and to go anti-clockwise! The last time I did these, I stayed in a very clean wooden bothy in Coire a'Chearcail which at the time was left unlocked (Summer 1999).

Some women would bay a lot of money for the Botox look!
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby Alteknacker » Sun Apr 26, 2015 11:05 pm

Great report, and fabulous mountain porn :clap: :clap: :clap: As usual!! I'm sick with envy.

I didn't realise that hedgehogs could be found so high up; nor so big and malformed...
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby AnnieMacD » Sun Apr 26, 2015 11:45 pm

Great photos and report, BP. Hope your face is OK now. You are really getting your Munro count up already this year!
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Re: Panther contra Lyon

Postby BlackPanther » Mon Apr 27, 2015 8:06 am

Many thanks again for all nice comments! I was busy last week, enjoying a few days on the hills, so there is more mountain porn to come. No less than 6 reports, including 10 new hills! Probably will take a couple of weeks to post :roll:

The botox look is now all gone and I'm back to my old wrinkled self :lol: :lol:

I don't expect to bag Munros as fast as in previous years, mainly because I've done most of northern ones (close to home). What's left is a few big walks, only for summer days, and about 80 or so Munros in the far south, too far to drive up and back in one day. Need a bit of organizing... Plus I'll be repeating some of my favs.
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