The Chaos Collies above Killin

[soulminer]

It had been a while since the dogs have been such a long walk, most of the time they are running around Parkhill Woods.
Work committments certainly limit the amount of time I have to walk with others, or the dogs. So today was a treat for them to say the least.
Checked the weather- MWIS and BBC- looked favourable, so where to go ? Doogz and Nelson had up
Greigh, Garbh and Stuc last week, so why not take the 'Chaos' to Lawers and Ghlas
Left early and headed for Killin. The road up to Ben Lawers through what is left of the forest looked horrendous with chainsawed trees scattered along both sides- made for eerie driving The weather was spot on, cloudy tops and rain/hail in abundance- well at first anyway. Parked in the new car park- work in progress, but will be great when it is finished.
Suited and booted, the dogs sporting their Christmas coats, we all set off. The rain/hail stopped and the sun was making an appearance. Ahead it was obvious there had been a snowfall during the night as the tops were glistening in the morning sun- lovely


IMGP0235 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0234 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0236 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

It was turning out to be a fine walking day, although there was a slight chill to the air- all three of us glad we had jackets on Not a day to stand about to long and take in the views, a day for a quick pic and off.

Cloud passing over Meall Corranaich


IMGP0238 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

We made haste for the summit, following in someones' footprints in the fresh snow. Summit reached and we were lucky to have some good views.

Chaos at the cairn


IMGP0240 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A fine view of Lawers


IMGP0241 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Wind chill more than evident, so onwards to ben Lawers

Meall Corranaich framed by the Bealach



IMGP0242 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Lawers and Co, again- couldn't resist


IMGP0243 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Make good speed towards the target, spotted the owners of the foot-prints just leaving the top. Talked for a bit and went our separate ways. Breezy and fresh could describe the summit fairly accurately found some shelter for man and beasts to partake in repast, took some photos and would be wise to head off as clouds were coming.

Chaos at Cairn two


IMGP0244 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Towards An Stuc- et al, and Lochan nan Cat

IMGP0245 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

The approaching cloud



IMGP0246 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0247 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Making our descent to about halfway when the snow started, pretty heavy. Met a few other brave souls on the way up- not nice,but glad we were heading down Arrived at the Bealach, and the snow was a white out, but only for a short time. the clouds passed quickly and sunshine shone again.

Corranaich clearing


IMGP0250 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

On the Traverse path, summit starting to clear


IMGP0251 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Bathed in sun


IMGP0253 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

The Glen looking fine


IMGP0254 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Corranaich clearing, traverse path along the middle -from right to left


IMGP0256 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A cracker of a walk today, really enjoyable- great to have the dogs out in the mountains The last photo of the day just looks as if it has been taken nearer the summer, rather than on snowy day like today



IMGP0259 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

[2dalmatians]

Great report soul miner and some good pics too. Was up an stuc last week so maybe I passed dogs and Nielsen - but there was so much clay so who knows? Was up at Glen Lyon this morning on meall bhude, great weather but very windy up top!!! Love the dugs' redcoats too. Better not show ruby or she will want one!!

[soulminer]

Cheers 2D, Their Christmas presents were a positive boon today, bbrrrrrr
Looks like Doogz and Nelson in pic 8 of your report- but it isn't, they were there Sunday. They had to help someone with their spaniel on the scramble on An Stuc, due to the 'greasy' condition of the eroded path.

[jimandandrea]

Thanks for that report- fantastic pics. So much so that we never realised there were two cairns at the summit!! A tad bleak when we went up!

[ChrisW]

Great report Soulminer but it is outshone by those stunning pics accompanying it, what a fantastic day ...... I bet those two loved every minute of it

[jonny616]

Great pics Soulminer. What a grand day you had.

[dogplodder]

Crystal clear photos and great dogs!

I've never seriously considered gettng coats for my two but imagine in these conditions they might be very glad of them. How do they react to getting them on? I quite fancy those harnesses for dogs so they can carry their own water for high ridges where there's none.

[soulminer]

Cheers all
They don't have a problem putting their coats on DP, they are used to wearing their harnesses and their backpacks



IMGP0003 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

They certainly needed them on Saturday, baltic at times and snowflakes the size of 2p pieces for a short time
Damn good day for a walk though

[smiffysmc]

Great report and pictures. We were up there yesterday (Sunday) to finish our weekend. The snow had mostly gone by Sunday though Good to see it with that bit extra on it.

Cheers