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Ben Vrackie – 2013
My plan had been to head up Gairbeinn near Newtonmore, however when I did not get to bed till nearer 03.00AM and awoke at 08.00AM (with a sore head) I decided on something closer (read shorter and higher chance of good weather). Headed off just after ten and reached a full car park – the hill looked extremely busy with New Year hikers
So I parked up at the “overflow car park “ down the road and set off.
- blue skies through trees
With things being busy I decided on taking the bealach path which was quieter. Additionally I then decided to forgot the path altogether and make my own way up to the summit from the north west side of Loch a’ Choire.
- North west of summit
The first part was steep and I meandered through the crags but nothing too difficult. Higher up and the gradient eased a little. The views south over Strathtay and into the central belt were really good. I could pick out the Lomond Hills easily and am sure if I had looked long enough I might have seen Edinburgh!!! Further north and some of the hills had cloud on the tops – not too bad though
Anyway spent 5 minutes on the top where I met the first people of the day – lots of people actually
- top
! I decided to skirt round to the Eastern top and then down from there as this would miss out the steep and slippy top section of the path.
- summit ridge from east top
Due to the number of people coming up the way – I stayed on the grassy and heather just to the south of the path the most of the way to the lochan- actually easier walking – less slippy and easier on my old knees!!
A gentle stroll to the car and I was back home for 15.00. A good start to the year…
- panorama view to Fife
- ridge