Glen Lyon Weekend (Sunday)

[Yorjick]

The previous day had been a long day, not arriving back at the bothy until around 10PM. It had taken a bit of effort but once the coal started to burn, it was a fantastic fire. I ate a late meal and watched the dancing flames of the fire before crawling into my sleeping bag a little after midnight. As expected, the next morning brought more fine weather and I arose at around 6AM. It is easy to get up early when the weather is so fine!

I was surprised by how light my pack felt now that the food had been eaten and any remaining water poured away. The three mile bike ride back to the car seemed almost effortless and with everything packed into the car, I was on my way to Glen Lyon.

Secret bothy

I parked a short way beyond the track that heads up through the forest towards the first target of the day, Beinn Dearg. It does not appear to be a passing place so much as a space created by farm vehicles taking a wide turn into the gateway opposite. Not ideal but used it without any apparent issues. See the photo below.

Parking

Start

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Despite very tired legs from the previous day, I made good progress up through the trees with minimum effort. Reaching the open hillside that forms the southeast ridge of Beinn Dearg I became increasingly breathless and periodically stopped to regain my breath. Scattered around were numerous wood anemones (Anemone nemorosa). I believe these have an extensive distribution beyond woodlands.

Anemone nemorosa

Despite screaming muscles and breathlessness, I was soon at the summit. My next objective, Carn Gorm, is visible in the background.

Beinn Dearg

On the approach to Carn Gorm, looking back to Beinn Dearg, which seems relatively insignificant next to its Munro neighbour.

Beinn Dearg

Approaching the summit of Carn Gorm (right). Meall Garbh and Carn Mairg to the left.

Carn Gorm

As with the previous day, I was faffing about with my Gorillapod, trying to produce the right selfie when a human tripod arrived! Sitting on the toppled trig point of Carn Gorm - my third ascent of this Munro.

Carn Gorm

Looking across Glen Lyon towards the Ben Lawers group and the Tarmachan Ridge.

I dropped down to the burn (Cul a' Choirein) which I followed downwards back to the track leading through the forest.

(L to R) are Meall nan Tarmachan, Stob Binnein, Ben More and Meall Ghaordaidh.

Topography chart

I should have taken the most direct route home through Tummel Bridge and Trinafour but got it into my head that it might be quicker heading towards the A9 at Pitlochry. Not only is this 20 miles longer but there was an accident at the junction to the House Of Bruar, resulting in delays and my arriving home a good hour later than I should have done.

....but what a fantastic weekend! One of the best....ever!

[BlackPanther]

Interesting circuit, I never thought of combining Beinn Dearg and the Munro. We did a circuit of Cam Chreag, Meall a'Mhuic and Beinn Dearg and that was tough enough!

[Yorjick]

Interesting circuit, I never thought of combining Beinn Dearg and the Munro. We did a circuit of Cam Chreag, Meall a'Mhuic and Beinn Dearg and that was tough enough!

Your route was twice the distance and more ascent. I did Cam Chreag last October with Meall Buidhe.

I will still need to go back for the Graham Meall a'Mhuic sometime!

If the weather is good, it is always nice to include a higher peak.