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Geal Charn from Balsporran

Geal Charn from Balsporran


Postby colinwatson » Tue May 23, 2017 3:40 pm

Munros included on this walk: Geal-chàrn (Drumochter)

Date walked: 12/05/2017

Time taken: 3 hours

Distance: 7 km

Ascent: 500m

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The last day of our Tulloch trip.

We wanted a short day to finish with and, as we were coming home via the A9, this hill fitted the bill perfectly. After a short drive from the bunkhouse, we got out of the car at Balsporran Cottage to be met by a cold, brisk wind. Undeterred, we got our boots on and headed off to the level crossing.

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Geal Charn from the car park


Once on our way, the hills to the west seemed to shelter us from the worst of the wind as we plodded on. We soon crossed the stream and found the junction of the unmarked track that leads straight to the hill. Again, good progress was made here and we pressed on to where the track ends before having a tea break. There was no real temptation to linger today, what with the cold wind and low cloud. Although we were out of the mist at this stage, the view was very hazy. We pressed on and although the wind was strengthening, it wasn't too bad as we saw the remains of the tall stone cairns just to the south of us.

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Looking north east from the remains of the cairns


From here it was a short, blustery walk to the summit, where we only paused before heading back the way we had come up.

We had an early lunch at the same spot where we had broken earlier - although by now the summit was clear.

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The summit from our lunch stop


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The view south from the lunch stop


From there, it was just a 15 minute walk to the track junction.

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Geal Charn from the track junction


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A'Mharconaich from the same spot


Then back over the level crossing and into the car and out of the wind!
colinwatson
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Re: Geal Charn from Balsporran

Postby Sunset tripper » Wed May 24, 2017 12:56 pm

It's not the most celebrated of hills but on a decent day there are good views over Loch Ericht. I drive past the parking area often and it has usually got a few cars there. It is popular as a relatively easy mid winter outing. :D
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