The Tarmachan Ridge

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Meall nan Tarmachan is one of the easier Munros to reach in good weather thanks to a high level start point, but it is really just the start of a rocky ridge traverse which is one of the most interesting in the Southern Highlands. There is a short, avoidable scramble on the descent from Meall Garbh.

Terrain

Good path to Munro summit and long ridge. Meall Garbh has a narrow ridge and an avoidable rocky scramble on the descent. After leaving the ridge the route crosses rough, boggy ground until it reaches a quarry, with only traces of a path. Finish on good track.

Public Transport

No public transport to the start.

Start

Ben Lawers car park (charge). Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the Ben Lawers car park (parking charge). The walk begins from the track with the vehicle barrier; take this and then immediately turn right onto a well-made new path. This climbs gently uphill, with good views across to the Ben Lawers range, before reaching a track. Go straight across this onto a path which leads west up the slopes until it gains a ridge which is then followed northwards; there are great views looking back over Loch Tay. Continue up the grassy ridge to the pointed peak at 923 metres.

Stage 2

There are stunning views to the right of the nearby Ben Lawers range looking very fine across the deep trough of Lochan na Lairige. Cross a slight dip and a flat grassy area before the path begins to ascend again, this time tackling the steep and rocky upper slopes ahead. Soon the path swings to the right below the ridge before curving up to reach the it a short distance to the north of the cairn, finally turning left along the ridge to complete the ascent.

Stage 3

At 1044 metres this is a substantial Munro but the high start can make it one of the quickest ascents in the Highlands. It is a great viewpoint, with the Lawers range to the east, Loch Tay south, the Glen Lyon ranges to the north. For some Munro-baggers this summit is enough and they return the same way. However if conditions are good and you can manage a bit of careful navigation on the descent, a complete traverse of the rocky, winding Tarmachan ridge - stretching away to the southwest - is not to be missed.

Stage 4

The next objective is the sharply pointed peak of Meall Garbh. Descend the ridge which leads gently downhill to the south at first slowly curving to the right and passing a tiny lochan - with a larger one down to the right. The path simplifies navigation in the complex terrain; a minor hummock is passed before a rougher climb up towards the tiny summit of Meall Garbh.

Stage 5

Just before the summit it is possible to leave the main ridge via a faint path leading down the side ridge on the south side. To continue the full traverse, stay on the main path, which soon leads along a fine grassy arête which is the narrowest part of the whole Tarmachan ridge.

Stage 6

After the narrow section the path becomes rocky and descends to reach the top of a rocky scramble (Grade 1) which heads down diagonally to the right. When dry this is not too difficult, but it is easily avoided in summer by a bypass path on the right which leaves the main path a little above the scramble, and rejoins it immediately below.

Stage 7

Another minor hummock in the bealach is crossed before the ascent to the next top, Beinn an Eachan, which has a very steep south face. The tiny summit cairn reveals a fine view down Glen Lochay. Continue along the ridge, bearing right a little to avoid steep ground on the descent to the next bealach which is reached by following the clear ridge path.

Stage 8

From the lowest bealach it is possible to include the final Top - Creag na Caillich - by continuing along the path, but if you do this then return to the bealach as it gives the easiest route of descent. The first part of the descent is rough, boggy and a little featureless so careful navigation is needed. Head southeast down wet but mostly grassy slopes; there are traces of a faint path in places. The aim is to reach the bend in the quarry track shown on the map - but out of sight at first. Once on the track follow it easily round the southern flanks of the ridge, ignoring branches off to the right. Eventually the outward path is joined; turn right down this to return to the car park.

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