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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