Cairnwell 3, Tolmount & Tom Buidhe

[gman]

Weather report looked OKish for these, it's a long drive for a short walk though so thought I'd bag Tolmount & Tom Buidhe as well if I was finished early.

Cairnwell 3
11km
605m ascent
2hrs 50

cairnwell 15-5-2013 actual.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Parked at ski centre, Carn Aosda with ski tows etc.


There's a track, but I just went straight up following the fence - it's a bit muddy this way though.


Carn a'Gheoidh from the top of Carn Aosda.


Again, a landrover track to follow.


Soon down & up to the ridge, looking back to Carn Aosda:


Carn a'Gheoidh cairn, looking west.


Bit of weather over the Cairngorms.


Onwards, view of a glen & Baddoch Burn.


The path leading round to the Cairnwell is the least developed part of the walk & the minor tops in between are more interesting than the Munros.


Nearer the Cairnwell, Carn a'Gheoidh looks a bit more dramatic.


Loch Vrotachan.


Near the top.


Back to Carn Aosda.


Top of the Cairnwell.


Glen Shee.


Then back to the ski centre, short descent over steep wet grass.


Took 2 & a half hours to drive here so was hoping for more of a walk. Had a bite to eat then drove up the road for Plan B:

Tom Buidhe & Tolmount
16.5km
829m ascent
5:15

tolmount 15-5-2013 actual.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Had done the Carn an Tuirc 4 from here before, muddy path at the start.


Back to Cairnwell etc.


Top of Carn an Tuirc.


There's another cairn in the distance, headed to the right of this.


Down to the bealach with Cairn of Claise. Met a walker here who had done Tolmount & Tom Buidhe via Loch Callater with a cycle in, that sounds like a much better walk cos this way is pretty much a bog trudge.


First views of the Munros.


Hail & snow coming in from the Cairngorms, visibility deteriorated so now much chance of a view.


Tom Buidhe from the top of Tolmount.


Then onwards through a bog.


Tom buidhe cairn.


Back to Tolmount, brief sunshine.


Walked back getting blasted with hail in the face, tricky navigating so had GPS in hand most of the way. Went round the south side of Carn an Tuirc, bit steep so had to ascend over craggy bits.


Then a nice muddy walk back to the car in the rain.


Not the best way to do these hills I guess, but an easy enough walk to combine with the Cairnwell 3.

[Sarah86]

I really wish we had headed here one of the nice days last week. I have been looking to visit the Cairnwell 3 for an easy(ish) walk but still getting the views. You had a great day for it and your photos are lovely

[gman]

I really wish we had headed here one of the nice days last week. I have been looking to visit the Cairnwell 3 for an easy(ish) walk but still getting the views. You had a great day for it and your photos are lovely

Thanks, worth waiting for good weather to bag these - might be a bit dull without the views.