Three Lawers of Relativity

[laconic surf]

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Having originally planned to do the Cairnwell trio, the forecast for saturday was in on Wednesday evening - it was to be a scorchio. Somewhere more asthetic was needed - the Lawers range would do just nicely. I only had 5 hours to walk as I had to be back, I knew I could get Ghlas and Lawers done with plenty to spare. I could squeeze in one more but which? An Stuc would be the obvious answer as it's just a short walk on from the summit of Lawers, but I really wanted to do the scramble up the other side so decided to save it for the Lochan Nan Cat circuit. Looking at the map Meall Corranaich was just opposite Ghlas, although normally ascended from the other side with Meall a'Choire Leith. A bit of research suggested it presented it's best side towards Ghlas and a wee bit of scrambling would be needed. Sold. Leith can be ascended another day with its neighbouring corbett Meall nam Maigheach.
Pulled into the Lawers car park just after 11, busy but spaces available. Gear on - but i'd forgotten my hat Baldy heid was at risk of sunstroke/burn. Cream on, it was already sweltering as I made my way up the approach.

First look at Beinn Ghlas

I hadn't yet decided which order to climb these so I decided to head along the bypass path knowing I would reach a junction where I could either turn east and head up Meall Corranaich or west up to Ghlas and Lawers. I soon caught up to two large groups of youths being marshalled by "drill sergeants" barking encouragement/orders I decided this would not make a relaxing walk and headed east towards Corranaich.

Meall Corranaich from the bypass path

Heading up Meall Corranaich

The ascent up Meall Corranaich was actually the highlight of the day. The path begins quite steeply before hands are needed for several sections with some really fun airy scrambling, nothing difficult just concentration needed to ensure the footing was safe as there is a little loose rock. A few people had stopped to watch from the path, probably wondering why this unhinged individuaI had left the path up to Lawers to go and scramble up this unknown mountain opposite Because of the gradient, height is reached really quickly, think it took about 25 minutes from the bypass path to the summit.

steep path up

Artistic cairn at summit

Nobody around at all up here. I could see the masses across on Ghlas/Lawers but not a soul in any other direction. Took on some fluids before heading down and joining back on to the path.

across to Ghlas and Lawers

Lawers with An Stuc on the left

The bypass has a nice gradient that pulls up to the juction meeting with the main path from Ghlas to Lawers. The sun was really beating down and energy was getting low so I decided to stop here and refuel. Once recharged I headed up the steep climb to the top of Lawers. I timed it that several large groups had come down and only two or three people were ahead of me. Whilst the path is not difficult to negotiate it is hard work, reaching the top and the highest point in the range was somewhat of a relief
The views from the top were amazing, such a clear day with a wonderful blue sky.

Cairn overlooking the rest of the range

An Stuc, Meall Garbh and Lochan nan Cat

Trig point overlooking Loch Tay

2 down one to go. The route down and across to Ghlas was beckoning - I was also the only one heading for it - most folk finishing their day were now heading for the bypass path and their cars. To be honest this was the easiest part of the day, legs were on autopilot and the pull up along the bealach barely registered. Nice view at the summit, third and final munro of the day in the bag.

Loch Tay

view to Beinn Ghlas

Looking back to Ben Lawers

Summit of Beinn Ghlas

All three munros completed for the day it was time to head down. I had pushed myself hard today and the heat was taking its toll. All I could think of was the cold ales in the fridge at home
The descent was punishing, another well kept stone path but hellish on the joints. I arrived back the car 4 hours 40 mins after leaving. Had a great day in the Lawers range in beautiful weather, but boy was I ready for that beer

[jonny616]

Good idea to switch to the lawers range. Keep the cairnwell for easy winter hills. Nice photos

[laconic surf]

Good idea to switch to the lawers range. Keep the cairnwell for easy winter hills. Nice photos

Cheers Jonny, glad I switched too. Just amazing views on Saturday, worth the effort in the roasting heat and managed to escape with just minor sunburn

[meangarry]

Good stuff ls, I spied that you had climbed schiehallion and ben lomond and I was looking forward to edging back infront in the munro stakes last weekend. But alas as I was climbing ben vorlich it seems as though you were descending from this great trio of peaks. 5-4 to you sir! Also climbed ben lomond on friday, I'll be sure to add the reports soon.

No better feeling than autopilot! On descending ben vorlich I broke into a jog and the rocky music was playing in my head. Great feeling.

[Rudolph]

That looks a fabulous day - very envious - the colour of the sky is amazing in your photos.

No better feeling than autopilot! . Great feeling.

Absolutely. I was descending on autopilot a while back when my legs stopped walking. I had no idea why .. surreal it was. I didn't know what was going on till I noticed an adder just ahead of me on the track. My eyes must have seen it and alerted legs before bothering to tell me about it.

[Lenore]

Love that vivid blue! Fun report, can just picture the kids and 'drill sergeants' and understand the need to get away

[laconic surf]

That looks a fabulous day - very envious - the colour of the sky is amazing in your photos.

Love that vivid blue!

Thanks Rudolph and Lenore, it's nice when nature throws up its own photoshop - nae adjusting of colours needed that day

Good stuff ls, I spied that you had climbed schiehallion and ben lomond and I was looking forward to edging back infront in the munro stakes last weekend. But alas as I was climbing ben vorlich it seems as though you were descending from this great trio of peaks. 5-4 to you sir!

Cheers G.
Lets see where next week takes us, I'm sure you'll be edging back ahead soon
Looking forward to your reports mate, Vorlich is on the radar for a climb in the near future.

[morag1]

Another nice report and clear pictures which give a good idea of the walk to the summit

Where next I am wondering, feel sure it wont be long till you're up the Ben

[monty]

A Nice report LS. Good decision to choose these instead of Glenshee. The views are superb. Sounded a bit busy though.

[laconic surf]

Another nice report and clear pictures which give a good idea of the walk to the summit

Where next I am wondering, feel sure it wont be long till you're up the Ben

Thanks Morag. No, i'm saving the Ben as I want to go up via CMD, think I might save it for number 50 to mark the occasion Think a wee trip to the Cairngorms is next ...

A Nice report LS. Good decision to choose these instead of Glenshee. The views are superb. Sounded a bit busy though.

Cheers Monty. Aye, was a bit busy. Thought i'd get it done in May, can't imagine what that hill is like on a saturday in July