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Meall nan Tarmachan
Having taken my first trip in years up Meall nan Tarmachan, last December, I have re visited it twice since then. A summer yomp with the kids and this weekend we took a snowy drive to say hello to winter
A superficial, but visually convincing layer of snow covered the Central Highlands and the forecast was looking wintry for Saturday. However a fine dawn saw us meeting up in Killin then jumping in an appropriate vehicle to take the un-gritted road to the Lawers Nature Reserve. The road was white but the 4 by 4 had no problem get us to the desired starting point thankfully~
The forecast cloudy skies and misty tops looked a long way off, as the Lawers group sparkled as the rising sun in the south east illuminated their white blanket giving a spectacular vista on our drive up. Parking with the sun rising above the horizon , we all had spring in our step! Off we went and it was glorious! The suns rays were shining down and the shoulder we were about to climb was protecting us from the strong North Westerly. Onwards we went – hopes high for a traverse of the ridge…. These hopes were soon called into question though! As soon as we hit the crest of the ridge the force of the wind was felt. Goggles were put on to protect our eyes from the stinging snow and we were now getting buffeted about !
The familiar ridge soon met the final pull and as we were first on the hill a trail was being made up the snow filled cleft where steps normal take the walker towards the summit! Given the covering of snow we decided to take a direct and sporting route to the summit, good fun was had…. A little later we were stood on the summit watching the views come and go between the clouds that were whizzing past! A decision was taken to head back down, didn’t fancy the traverse in these winds, been across it many times and we made a pact to return when the winds were a little lighter
A fine morning out and back in time to watch a rather good rugby game – all in all – a grand day
Lawers Roadin the snow by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
knee deep by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
Scotland's Winter Mountain sun ridge by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
descent by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
Snowy Tarmachan by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
SPINDRIFT by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
