Looking for some advice for beginners I was happy to find Ralf Storer's Baffies' Easy Munro Guides and ordered Vol. 1,2,3 in the little bookshop at my hometown.

After some serious studies

For my very first solo I picked Beinn Ghlas and Ben Lawers, an area I already knew a little bit form the Tarmachan-walk last year in March. It seemed to be quite a straight forward walk on a clear path and surely other walkers would be around on a Sunday. So I felt quite safe even and therefore I could focused on my main task: testing my comprehension of the walk description and to find out whether I will be able to recognize the waymarks and the twists and turns of the path as described.
Therefore I tried to find my way by following the decription and I succeeded in taking the wrong turn right at the start although the gate I didn't miss at least.

But there was at least always one walker I could keep an eye on and finally I managed to get to the path while trying to figure out what I have misunderstood

When the views came in sight I finally stopped reading. It made no sense anyway as the path was clearly visible and so many walkers just ahead of me so I started to enjoy the walk and the views coming in sight with the rising terrain.

Despite the dark clouds the visibilty was quite good and became even better once the sky cleared off and the sun came out just in time when I reached the first summit.
And what was this? The cairn was decorated with little devices and the path to Ben Lawers was marked with red flags and there were some guides at the summit I had a little chat with.
It was Quadrathon-day! Swimming through Loch Tay, running over seven munros




Seven munros in a day, - not to speak of the other disciplines - this was hardly imaginable but very fascinating. I was contemplating on that while I resumed my walk.
The walk to the summit of Ben Lawers didn't take much time as far as I remember.
It was pretty windy that day so I was looking for some shelter where I could enjoy the views while having my little lunch in the warm sunshine.
Still some competitiors arrived at the summit and a little party coming over from An Stuc.
I had a little chat with someone who explained the scenery. It was a mystery how he could figure out all the different mountains and even name them


Finally I started to descend, a bit unsure whether I will find the turn-off to the valley path although everything looked pretty simple. I think I was a bit too rattled by all the warnings the guides had been given during my first years with guided groups. But when I reached the little cairn there was no doubt which way to go.
During the walk through the valley I was on my own and slowed down to a leisurely pace in the pleasant warm afternoon sun.
I got attracted by the shape of the corrie/ridge in the distance and was wandering if this was part of the Meall nan Tarmachan. I only can guess because I never have seen the summit on my walk.
About the old shieldings I met some guys from Glasgow and we chatted along the way until we reached the parking.
Although this walk was nothing really much of a challenge on a day like this with this clear visible path I was quite happy for this nice introduction into my solo career

Back at the car the runners were coming down either from Tarmachan or Meall Corranaich, greeted by some audience and supplied with water and some nutrition to keep going for the cycling.

I changed some clothes, thanked for this lovely day and said goodbye to the mountain.