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The weather forecast for this year’s munro holiday wasn’t very promising. For weeks MWIS had been suggesting that winter was not yet on its way out. With an outlook for below average temperatures, a lot of wind, thunderstorms and even snow, I added a bit more winter kit to my luggage and also some routes for low level walks in case the conditions were too hairy.
When I arrived in Pitlochry in the evening it was indeed on the chilly side and as I sat eating my dinner in the hostel conservatory, sun rain hail and snow all made an appearance, accompanied by a very brisk wind. I got talking to a fellow walker and he told me it had been baltic on the hills in the past week. MWIS had been right then. I hoped it would not be right about the risk of thunder storms for tomorrow.
In the morning, I parked at the Dalmulzie Hotel for a small fee and set off in four layers, hat and gloves. It was cold indeed. At Glenlochsie Farm the signage caused a bit of confusion. But a walker ahead of me called out that I needed to go through the gate on the left, which I duly did. At the back of the farm the walker was waiting for me. He explained he had had an altercation with the farmer about trespassing his property, so thought he’d better warn me. He was also heading for Glas Tulaichean, but needed to send a text to the home front first, whilst there was still reception, so I went ahead.
Glen LochsieThe track soon reached a ford and because the water was low enough, I crossed the river there, and crossed it back at Glenlochsie Lodge.
Glenlochsie LodgeThe other walker caught up on the ascent of Breac-reidh and we continued together.
There would be no navigational challenges even in the thickest of weather for this hill. Just follow the track. The good company of the other walker made the ascent go very fast. At the summit we found a spot out of the biting cold wind for some food.
Summit Glas Tulaichean
Cairngorms in the distance, Beinn Iutharn Bheag and An SocachMerrily chatting we then made our way down the north east ridge to the boggy bealach and aimed for the stalkers path that traverses the lower slopes of Mam nan Carn. Time and distance flew and soon we were on Carn an Righ. There were no views as it had started snowing.
Summit Carn an RighOnce down Carn an Righ we said our goodbyes as I had still Beinn Iutharn Mhor to do.
From the bealach in between Carn an Righ and Mam nan Carn there is a path that contours the latter to the bealach with Beinn Iutharn Mhor. The path becomes very faint, but it is obvious were you need to go. By now the weather had perked up again and the views from the summit were great.
Summit Beinn Iutharn Mhor
Cairngorms in the distanceBeinn a’ Ghlo looked fabulous and I could see as far as the Devil’s Point. It was clear that some more weather was coming my way, so I didn’t stay at the summit for too long. Once down at the bealach I contoured the northern slopes of Mam nan Carn aiming for the bealach with Beinn Iutharn Beag.
Flurry of snowThere were a few snow showers on the way down, but I was warm as toast and the wind was behind me. From the bealach I descended towards Loch nan Eun. What a lovely place. Last time I was here I only caught a glimpse of it when the mist shifted.
Loch nan Eun
Loch nan EunThe descent into Gleann Taitneach is quite steep initially, but the path is clear. Once on the track the going got better and there were plenty of kilometers left to enjoy the fresh air and a few hail showers.
Gleann Taitneach ahead
Looking back up the glenAt the bridge I crossed to the west bank of the river to get back to the Dalmulzie Hotel. First hill day done in much better weather than anticipated, a good start!
