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A second-round ascent of Carn na Caim and A’Bhuidheanach Bheag has been in the planning for several weeks. As well as ascending Carn na Caim and A’Bhuidheanach Bheag - both current Munros, my aim today was to also ascend Meall a’Chaorainn and Glas Mheall Mor – both Munros in Hugh Munro’s original 1891 list. Glas Mheall Mor is now a Munro Top.
I last ascended Carn na Caim and A’Bhuidheanach Bheag in May 2000.
I set off from home around 08:00 and arrived at Drumochter by 09:45 – a relatively short journey compared with some recent, and some forthcoming, trips. I parked in the large lay-by across the road from the hills.
Click here to see a map of the route undertakenI set off with Beinn along the wide vehicle track which ascends to > 900m.
Looking across A9 to West Drumochter hills:
Looking back towards Dalwhinnie:
Ascending track between Carn na Caim and A’Bhuidheanach Bheag:
Carn na Caim:
The ascent was not that interesting until I spotted a Golden Plover. It was kind enough to stay relatively still just long enough for me to get a couple of photos.
Golden Plover:
Golden Plover (full zoom):
From c.750m upwards, the track was filled with snow – this pleased Beinn.
Beinn:
It was nice to get views across to Ben Alder during the ascent. A re-ascent of Ben Alder is definitely on my to-do list too.
West Drumochter Munros and Ben Alder:
Ben Alder (zoom):
After reaching the 902m top, I made my way across to Carn na Caim, via the 914m top. As I walked along the track a nice wee plane flew overhead.
Small plane (full zoom):
Heading for Carn na Caim:
On approaching Carn na Caim, I met six people going the opposite way. I found it a bit amusing when one asked if my dog was ok, re-assured me that “I didn’t have far to reach the summit” and questioned, was I also doing “the other one”
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I didn’t spend long at the summit.
Beinn at the summit of Carn na Caim:
I was quite surprised at how much snow there is again on the Cairngorms!
Snow-plastered Cairngorms (zoom):
From Carn na Caim, I returned the same way as far as the 902m top. I then made my way across to A’Bhuidheanach Bheag via A’Bhuidheanach (879m).
Heading for A’Bhuidheanach Bheag:
Heading for A’Bhuidheanach Bheag:
While ascending A’Bhuidheanach Bheag, I decided to head for Meall a’Chaorainn first.
Approaching Meall a’Chaorainn:
Just below the summit of Meall a’Chaorainn I spotted a Wheatear. Beinn started to prowl like a cat towards it, but I think he forgot that he was on a lead and soon got jerked back and told to behave.
Wheatear (full zoom):
I was quite impressed with the views from Meall a’Chaorainn. It is definitely a better viewpoint that A’Bhuidheanach Bheag.
I’m not sure why Hugh Munro made this one a Munro – I assume due to mapping inaccuracies of the time. It doesn’t even feel like the top of a hill.
View from summit of Meall a’Chaorainn:
Loch Garry from Meall a’Chaorainn:
From Meall a’Chaorainn, I made my way across to A’Bhuidheanach Bheag via the un-named 936m top.
A’Bhuidheanach Bheag from 936m top:
After a quick photo stop, we made our way towards Glas Mheall Mor.
Beinn at the summit of A’Bhuidheanach Bheag:
The expanse of land between A’Bhuidheanach Bheag and Glas Mheall Mor is quite rough-going with lots of peat.
Approaching Glas Mheall Mor:
Coire Mhic-sith:
Was nice to reach the summit of Glas Mheall Mor – my second deleted 1891 Munro of the day – only 10 more original 1891 Munros left to do!
Map of 1891 MunrosBeinn at the summit of Glas Mheall Mor:
The return to A’Bhuidheanach Mhor was not pleasant – lots of peat but thankfully quite firm.
Peat traverse:
Despite some threatening rain clouds, it stayed dry throughout.
Approaching rain?:
Another good day out
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