Glas Maol 4 Munro circuit

Today was day 2 and another full on walk was planned. The trip was the Glas Maol circuit which covered 4 Munro category hills.

Carn an Tuirc

The first Munro on the list was the conical shaped Carn an Tuirc as seen here from the start of the walk at the Cairnwell pass.
Following a faint track passing shielings the path reaches a  burn, walk beside this and cross where appropriate, a bit boggy. A runner goes past, fitter than me.

Looking back to the start

As you climb the steep track becomes very stony and at some point just cross them and head up to Carn an Tuirc. Plenty of excuses to stop and look back as there are great views back towards the Cairnwell Pass.

Not shy

Keep your eyes open as the ptarmigan could be right at your feet amongst the boulders, great camouflage.

Cairn of Claise

Cairn of Claise can be seen in the distance an easy walk down and up a grassy plain.

Claise cairn

 Gentle walking until an old wall is reached, follow that up and Cairn of Claise summit is reached on a boulder field.

Grass slopes to Glas Maol

Once again the next objective is in sight as the runner comes past god knows where he had been. Another descent onto a grassy track on your left then simply follow this as it turns left climbing across the hill before a faint track on your right takes you up to the summit plateau and the highest Munro of the day, Glas Maol.

Glas Maol cairn

 Whilst on this route we spotted a pair of dotterel, a rare sight indeed.
Great views and more people around and the 4th Munro looks the most mountain like, definitely not a round grassy peak.

Creag Leacach

So down another easy grassy slope, more great views, until you reach a cairn at the dyke. For most you will return to this cairn so rucksacks can be left.
The going gets rockier and the final two sections are hard going on the feet and ankles. Finally we are there, number 4 Munro, Creag Leacach take it all in and make the difficult walk back to the cairn.

Still big snow pathches

As we follow the narrow track back to the ski centre snow patches still encroach on the track forcing steep slippy grass detours.

Ski slopes don't look right without the snow

Finally all safe we get back through the ski slopes to the cars. Why are descents such a trudge?
Another super day, a grand high level circuit with fabulous views.

Time: 6.58 hours
Distance: 10.77ml
Ascent: 2938ft