Solo walk - Meall nan Tarmachan

[Huntly Hills]

First solo Munro. Had planned to be on trip with work to climb Ben Lawers this weekend, however trip was cancelled so, with access to Dad's car, drove to the Ben Lawers car park with the intention of going in the other direction. Set-off at 07:15 and reached the car park at 09:30. Slightly cold start to the day so I set off at a reasonable pace up Tarmachan. Clouds were low but moving quickly with gusty winds. I reached the first pointed peak after about 60 minutes and then the summit (after a quick check of the compass in heavy cloud) at about 10:45. Met 3 German ladies who were only doing the Munro and were heading for Ben Lawers next. I continued along the ridge, first over Meall Garbh - enjoyed the scrambling on the descent here - and then over Beinn an Eachan. Cloud had lifted by this point giving good views to the north and south from the ridge. Reached the lowest bealach and decided not to do the final hill but rather ascended down the grassy slopes for some lunch before making my way back to the car along the track from the old quarry.

Very enjoyable day, saw very few walkers. Weather disappointing to start but scrambling and ridge walk were excellent.