A short hop up to Pitlochry to climb a hill I had not been on since 1997 - Ben Vrackie, the hill with the four memorial benches on its slopes!
Parked at Moulin, where there are plenty of spaces, although I would imagine that it must get quite busy at weekends. A torrential downpour just as we parked delayed our start a bit, but after 10 minutes, we were making our way up the path. We were glad to get out of the stuffy air in the forrest to enjoy the fresher conditions on the moor and pressed on the the first bench to have our tea break.
The path in 1997 was fine, but there has been a lot of work done on it since and it made for pleasant walking up to Loch a'Coire.
The only climbing of any note is after the loch, but the path follows some very sensible gradients.
Not too far from here to the top.
The view to the north really opens out at the top, although it was cold enough for thermal hats and gloves!
After enjoying our excellent sandwiches, we retraced our steps back down the path. Once out of the wind, it was good to remove a few layers of clothing!
All in all, a very enjoyable day out on a cracking wee hill.
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.