Did I really mean to go that way?

[Aliceb69]

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Well this was not the walk I planned on taking. I was planning on the nice and gentle Ryvoan and Lochan Uaine circuit, but when I got to the junction the dogs - all three of them - went up the Meall a' Bhuachaille path. They seemed determined to go that way so what could I do but follow. I have to say that with the autumn here the trees were beautiful and the path was easy so I continued.

Path up through the trees.

I'm glad the dogs decided to go this way as the forest had some spectacular things to look at.

Gnarly tree.

A wee burn trickling away next to the path.

When I got my first view of where I was going I was asking the dogs, "Are you sure you want to go this way?" But of course they did!! I figured if a 5 month old puppy could do it I could too. The path was well maintained and easy to walk and even the wind didn't put me off!

First glimpse of Meall a' Bhuachaille.

I stopped along the path to have some breakfast and admired the view of the Cairngorms while I ate.

Cairngorms blending into the clouds.

Not sure what mountain this is...but it's pretty.

As I continued to climb we came across some cyclists - or rather they came across us and were a bit surprised to be greeted by three labradors, but they took it in their stride and soon were on their way again with the puppy wishing she could follow.

The summit is getting closer, but Bhreagha, the puppy, has eyes only for the cyclists.

I couldn't believe it when the summit came into view and just in time for the rain to start. Luckily the rain didn't come to anything and we got some good views for about 3 minutes before the weather closed in around us.

The summit. Hurray!!!

View complete with the weather front moving in.

A nice place to hide out of the incoming weather.

Once out of the wind I had the rest of my breakfast while the weather closed in and made the place very peaceful...well almost peaceful.

What are you eating? Can we have some?

After a nice rest the walk down was far more exciting for the dogs as they found 4 grouse and a pheasant. This is what I get for having working dogs. The descent down the other side was a lot steeper than the ascent, but the views were just as beautiful.

Lochan Uaine

Once past the bothy, where there was a random thermos taking pride of place inside, I soon found myself at Lochan Uaine.

Lochan Uaine up close and personal.

The views were stunning on the walk back with the mixture of woodlands.

Beautiful colours in the trees.

All in all a great day out - especially for the dogs.

[ScottishLeaf]

Great report there, that gnarly tree looks like something from a horror movie. I bet it comes to life and grabs unsuspecting walkers under a full moon! lol

[trekker53]

A fine walk in a beautiful area. Those labs look so appealing.

[Aliceb69]

Great report there, that gnarly tree looks like something from a horror movie. I bet it comes to life and grabs unsuspecting walkers under a full moon! lol

Thanks! I wouldn't be surprised as it was just around a corner as well. Ready to snatch the unsuspecting.

A fine walk in a beautiful area. Those labs look so appealing.

I would have to agree that it is a beautiful area. I'm going to have to go back and do some more in this area. As for the labs they're known at home as "the kitchen vultures". lol

[Sarah86]

Everytime I come on here I keep finding new walks I would like to do. This looks a great one with fantastic views, your labs are lovely too!

[Aliceb69]

Everytime I come on here I keep finding new walks I would like to do. This looks a great one with fantastic views, your labs are lovely too!

Oh it was a fantastic walk. The trails were all in really good nick and quite easy to walk. It's worth going here!

[karen1979]

lovely pooches u have

[Aliceb69]

lovely pooches u have

Thank you Karen. They can be a handful, but they are fun to be with.

[Caberfeidh]

Did you notice the lintel stone dated 1781 over the burn behind the bothy? I believe that building at Ryvoan used to be a Drovers' Inn for those men taking cattle from the highlands to the southern cattle trysts, there was great demand for highland cattle for beef and leather during the Napoleonic Wars.

Ryvoan lintel stone dated 1781

[Aliceb69]

Caberfeidh, I didn't notice the date stone. I'll have to go back and have another look! It's an interesting bit of history. Thanks.

[McLEOD]

Enjoyable wee report, cheers