free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Had these two on my list, but disappointingly am picking them off one at a time starting with Meall Buidhe. The peak on the other side of Loch an Daimh is Stuchd an Lochain.
It's a long drive in and up to the dam, but the views and scenery start early. On the way there I chose to go over the pass at Lawers from the Killin side with great views back towards the Tarmachan ridge and corrie
The Allt Baile a' Mhuilinn is great as it cascades down over several fall
The above isn't about the walk, but these mini adventures start when you leave home
As mini adventures go this one was very mini, but none the less enjoyable.
Got to the dam and it's got some wild horses
It was dry, but quite windy at this stage, other wildlife was non existent.
The landrover track is directly opposite the parking area and its in really good condition, I was tempted to drive up it to the end of Loch for a look around, looked around for a keep out sign; there is one on the other side of the open gate. Private road
Not to worry the views from only a short way up the track of the Loch are pleasant enough
The off ramp can't be missed unless you are in total day dream land and isn't that far from the start
I was expecting the path to be a bit more squelchy reading some of the reports and the walk description. It is a bit wet in places, only to be expected in this unusually wet summer.
Because of the high start the views aren't long in appearing, this is I assume Meall Ghaordaidh in the background
This is about as squidgy as it gets, and it's
mostly surface water, so choose your spots and you are in up to a maximum of the sole of your boot. The path does dry up towards the end of the first uphill before the peat hags.
On the way up I went to the right of the peat hags thinking that Meall na Each was where to head for. I'd forgotten to press the button to record the track; it was at this stage that I realised
It don't matter much, everything is pretty visible today
NOTE though that times and gpx are estimates
Having looked at the satnav I saw that I should be heading up to the left, Meall a' Phuill and set off in that direction spotting the small path cairn on the way
Once on the path it's only a few minutes to the cairn on Meall a' Phuill
and the easy ridge to Meall Buidhe with Gharb Meall beyond
There's a good view of Lochan nan Cat below Stuchd an Lochain
and up to almost the end of Loch an Daimh and the Allt coming out of Sron a' Choire Chnapanaich
This must have been an amazingly beautiful Glen before the dam and reservoir were built. When I come back to do Stuchd an Lochain I'm going to cycle up the private road to the end for a good look
The last hop to the summit is along a dry semi rocky path and other than stopping to take in the views doesn't take long
It's very pleasant, and the wind dies down, it will be the midges when I get back to the car
Nice views north past Gharb Mheall
To the west, although not that clear and not really the time of day, into the sun
I didn't hang around, although in hindsight I should have had a look at the summit of Gharb Mheall. Heading back and checking out the rocks on the ridge
before descending and this time following the WH path through the hags
They aren't that haggy, and not that wet either and are easily crossed
I veered off and checked out the view up the reservoir from an accessible vantage point and a strange rock which I guess must have iron in it
When I first started walking in the mountains I used to think every hint of red must be evidence of iron, but in the vast majority of cases I was seeing extensive red lichens as in Sgurr Eilde Mor in the Mamores.
A quick look at the dam
and back at the car in no time at all.
This must be one of the tamest Munros I have done so far, but the views are worth it.
The mini adventure doesn't end till you get back home and what had been forecast to be a very wet and windy day moderating and clearing somewhat had cleared and moderated completely leaving a clear sky and an almost full moon
I am always amazed that you can see the craters on the moon with a small camera