It certainly was not scorching on Beinn an Dothaidh

Hill: Beinn an Dothaidh ( Hill of the scorching )

Type: Munro

Height: 1004m

This was the last day of my mini trip and i wanted a short half day outing close to my digs. The decision was relatively easy as I had Dothaidh on my list for some time. The last time I was here we had such bad weather we retreated after Dorain and did not do the double.

As I packed the car this morning it was bright blue skies but also a lot cooler than yesterday. Ben More could be seen in full profile so no cloud issues. Just after 8am I parked up at the bridge of Orchy hotel, only one other car and nobody about, normally this is a busy place but more on that later.

Dry track today, Dothaidh on left

The initial walk is a long gradual rise in pleasant surroundings. The last time I was here this lower section was a real messy boggy trudge. Today it was still a very eroded path but lots of work has been done particularly the amount of stone added. 

Heading for low point, avalanche crags mid left

I was in a good rhythm a slow but steady plod so the distance was covered without effort and before long I was entering the grandeur of Coire an Dothaidh, I have always liked this spot. A couple of years back the Oban Mountain rescue team were training in the Coire and got avalanched. Thankfully nobody was badly injured but accidents on the hills do also happen to the most experienced. 

No snow today but the terrain is the worst of the walk, ascending via boulders, scree, loose rocks and stones. Very awkward I didn't want another accident so slower going.

When I reached the cairn at the bealach I turned and looked back and could only see one other person ascending, another quiet day. 

Good track for a while

The track is clear and obvious to my left which climbs via some hands on rocky sections to reach the plateau. there are already good views into Glen Lyon.

Despite the good weather the plateau is still a boggy walk, feet going deep into the mud and soggy terrain but it does not last for long.

Crianlarich Munros from Ben More furthest left

There are a couple of tracks but I headed for the most direct ascent to the middle top  knowing I would be circling round the all three of Dothaidh's summit tops. 

Pt 993m Crianlarich Munros far horizon

When the summit ridge is reached, first go right to point 993m where there are fabulous views into the glens and there are many Munros showing their tops.

Backtrack a bit and take the short walk up to the highest point where even better views are to be had northwards over the remote and wild Rannoch Moor. Sadly a haze stops me seeing Big Ben but I know it is there. 

Achaladair from Dothaidh

The wind has got up and I don't feel the cold easily but it is absolutely bitter. If this had been autumn you would have said winters coming, it is only June! The closest mountain in view from this top is Beinn Achaladair which although it is only 30m higher, it looks massive. The views into the surrounding corries below are also impressive, an excellent viewpoint.

Plateau to north top

zoomed to mountains behind

No hanging about for too long as I wandered across the wide flat top to the big westerly cairn where if anything the best views of the day. 

Loch Tulla

All the Mounth hills prominent but looking down to Loch Tulla and watching the traffic heading north, miniature vehicles. The might Stob Ghabhar dominates, a very good spot indeed.

Looking back to Bridge of Orchy

A straightforward descent back down the same route. Talking to the few bodies coming up. Taking great care on the scree sections but safely down.

Marsh orchid

I had been looking forward to a coffee and scone at the hotel before driving home but its doors were still closed with walkers milling around. A sign said a positive Covid test had closed it for a few days for deep cleaning. Plenty of West Highland Way walkers were arriving looking for refreshments. I hope they were stocked up because there is absolutely nowhere else until either Glencoe area or Tyndrum to get refreshments. A tough one.

Common Frog

Still for me an excellent walk, really enjoyed it and time for home, wished I was staying longer. 

Ascent: 914m

Distance: 12.9km

Time: 3.51

Wildlife: Raven; Meadow Pipit; Common frog; Golden Ringed dragon fly.

The mighty An Teallach.....Awesome now that's a proper mountain range

Hill: Bidein Glas Thuill (1062m) (Pinnacle of the grey-green hollow) & Sgurr Fiona (1060m) (White peak) aka An Teallach (The Forge)

Type: Munro x2

I have had a longing to complete this traverse but I could not see myself doing the scrambling on the pinnacles. However, having read up on it the route from Dundonnell which avoids most of the scrambling, but not all, as one of our party took a panic attack on it, so a warning not all of it was straightforward for everyone.

The parking area was full, mainly due to the mountain rescue team preparing at their base, hopefully just a training session but they are around in case they are needed.

Look hard this is the good path

It is a long walk in but there is a restored path which helps greatly as it meanders upwards. Plenty of short stops to take in the views.

Little Loch Broom

It was not always easy walking but initially a zig zag at a good gradient made for a slow plod but height gained all the time.

Wow thankfully we bypass this one

After about an hour the impressive mass of Meall Garbh suddenly appears looking very challenging but today it is not for us we are bypassing it.

We are ascending to the right but valley will be our descent route

The ground becomes more sandy and rocky as we head for Sron a Choire, typical of the geology of this area. We could see walkers down in the glen, which will be our descent route and also spotted someone on top of Meall Garbh.

Sgurr Fiona looks mightily impressive

From here the objectives can be seen, First is Bidein which looks bulky and steep but a track can be seen meandering its way up. Then further on it is the much more impressive pointed Sgurr Fiona and the pinnacles which gets the awes, these are special. This is a proper mountain.

Bulky Bidein and pointed Fiona

First the stony, rocky, scree path has to be tackled. Actually the gradient is once again fairly kind for about half the ascent, a bit steeper then we reached a flat top with awesome views of the pinnacles.

Colourful lichen

Before that ascent photo time then we climbed the short final section to bag the first Munro of the day, Bidein a' Ghlas Thuill. 

Rare snap from near top of Bidein a' Ghlas Thuill

The views were every bit as spectacular and jaw dropping as I had hoped for, without doubt a WOW factor view. 

Fiona without me and the Pinnacles behind including Lord Berkely's Seat

Now a look at the ascent of Fiona. There is a ridge to cross first abd from here three tracks can be seen. The steepest and shortest goes up the edge of the corrie very steep drops. A fainter middle route but still more direct. But we opted for the more used track which goes about half way up, then what?

This is the view from Fiona to the Pinnacles

Once on the ridge the wind picks up and one gust is strong enough to take hats off thankfully not into the corrie but all headgear stowed away. The track is good until we reach that mid point. After that it is a case of walking, sometimes scrambling up the steep rocks, it still looks a long way up. 

Looking back to Bidein from Fiona

Without too much bother for most the summit is reached, a very small area with some large drops so no stepping back too far to get that better photo. 

Panorama from Sgurr Fiona

The views are breathtaking, deep down into the corrie and the full range of An Teallach's pinnacles where we spotted some walkers climbing the Lord, dangerous place and at least 4 people have died climbing these hills in recent years.

View down to Toll an Lochain and wild land beyond

Sail Liath

An easy short downwards scramble for a nourishment stop and more viewing before heading homewards. 

The reverse ascent of Bidein 

Some traversed Bidean but a couple of us went back up to Bidein (now 3 Munros lol) before going back down the ascent path. Straightforward I thought until a minor slip on the steep track, thanks to the stone marbles, hand hit the ground, sharp pain and the top of a finger was hanging loose at a very odd angle. Unbelievable, a small slip and now a torn tendon, mallet finger, with an potential long recovery, there goes tomorrows golf no gripping a club for some time with this injury.

Rough moor for the initial descent a contrast with the rocky ascent across the burn

We headed down the corrie, initially on a path which soon disappeared when we crossed the burn. Then rough moorland walking until we met up with the ascent track about half an hour later. At one point we thought we heard someone calling from the direction of Meall Garbh, was there a casualty? Then we saw some mountain goats with kids so presumably it was them.

Mum & kids

The last hour was a bit of a slog as the heat was ramped up and my water was very low so very pleased to reach the cars.

An epic round only marred by the injury but really pleased that I did it.

Ascent: 1368m

Distance: 15.1km

Time: 7.25

Wildlife: Mountain Goat; Raven

Big trek for a Cairngorm double from Glen Doll.....Tolmount & Tom Buidhe

Hill: Tolmount (958m)(Mountain of the Dale) & Tom Buidhe (957m)(Yellow Hill)

Type: Munro x2

So much for the best walking day of the week as I listened to the rain hammering on the window and roof giving me little sleep. In 24 hours the forecast had changed totally. I decided to go along anyway and the amount of roadside flooding was amazing even vehicles in fields presumably aquaplaned.

Another favourite Angus glen, Glen Clova, was still stunning but the low level of cloud was disconcerting as was the trees dancing away in the wind. The forecast was now predicting sleet/light snow on the higher tops with 30+mph winds and stronger gusts. 

River running in full spate as I was to discover later

I was originally going to do these from the traditional Braemar side but after talking to a friend he suggested the Glen Doll route. A long trek in and out but still shorter with craggy corries, a deep glen and waterfalls, what's not to like? The big carpark had only 3 cars and it was blowing a hoolie and light rain. To go or not? I was here so decided to walk the trail and see what it was like after the woods when I entered the exposed glen.

The route is similar to Braemar in that it follows Jocks Road which is a long distance trail between the two. Originally a drove road used mostly by smugglers and cattle thieves. Later more famous as a historic right of way land dispute.

A very long undulating walk through Glendoll Forest, pleasant enough and sheltered but it was a very boggy trail. 

Glen Doll from the trees

Finally out into the magnificent amphitheatre of Glen Doll itself, hemmed in by high cliffs and crags on each side and a tantalising view of the trail ahead. Sir Hugh Munro considered this 'to be as wild a little glen as one could wish to see'. The immediate wind hit meant an additional layer of protection required. Waterfalls cascading all around, quite a sight. 

Spotted

Then I spotted movement  on a slope and delighted to see a red deer stag with his small harem.

Head of Glen Doll

Jocks Road is an excellent narrow track and on reaching the head of the glen, about 4 miles from the start iIcame across the famous bothy, Davy's Bourach. 

Not a post box but entrance to the bothy

Certainly an unusual place. Love or hate, your choice. I wouldn't want to spend the night in it but as a lifesaver a different answer.

Flanks of Tom Buidhe but it would be a couple of hours before I would be descending them

The track has climbed on a good gradient to around 800m and now opens out and is a very open and exposed landscape. Feels quite lonely in these murky conditions.

Crow Craigies

Sadly the clouds are covering the tops so no big views. The track heads round to Crow Craigies, (Tolmount's only other top), exposed crags drop off to the left, where I now left Jock's Road to head for the peat hags in the general direction of Tolmount which I could still not see despite being so close. 

Tolmount

The hags were ok to negotiate followed by a short climb to Tolmount. 2 hours 40m but this did not feel like a Munro summit.

Rough terrain to the bealach

The rain was on and nothing to see so I followed a track in the general direction of Tom Buidhe. Through the gloom I could just see a lower bealach which I wanted to reach. Once reached took a right turn and headed up the grassy slopes to the summit, aided by a track I found.

Uninspiring top 2, Tom Buidhe

Just 35 minutes after leaving Tolmount I was on the summit of Tom Buidhe, another uninspiring small cairn. There are 5 other Munros on this relatively flat Cairngorm plateau so on a fine viewing day the views would have been more inspirational. 

However today it wasn't so no lingering and no more tracks as I wanted to re-join Jocks Road near the bothy.  Easier said than done as I had hoped to pick out the trail but it was well camouflaged. I daresay on a better day there would be the odd walker to spot and take a bearing from. Once I was out of the clouds I could see the peat hags to be negotiated but I could also see the burn which was in spate and could be a challenge, it was.

I guided myself down without incident over the rough moor and yes the burn was wider than normal, running fast and deep pools. I wandered up and down with no obvious crossing. I was thinking about just getting soaked when I spotted a large rock I could just stand on hoping it was not too slippery as this was my anchor foot, reached over and just touched the other bank with a pole. This was an odd angle looking down at the water and no comeback from this position. Could I make the final leap over a deep pool, just with a lot of relief.

More peat hags to overcome and then the final climb up to the track was the hardest part for me, my legs were tired and it was further and steeper than I thought.

Descent back through Glen Doll heading to the trees

Still finally found it and only the long, but not unpleasant descent back to the car. When I checked I realised why my legs were tired. Despite no major steep sections it was a long constant climb and at almost 1400m a lot of ascent for 2 Munros.

Thankfully despite nae views, the forecasted snow and high winds did not come to fruition, so a good walk and a good day out.

Ascent: 1376m

Distance: 21.2km

Time: 5.29

Wildlife: Red Deer; Buzzard; Red Grouse

Three Munros but only two get a credit....Meall Greigh & Garbh

 Hills: Meall Greigh (Hill of the herd)(1001); Meall Garbh (Rough Hill) (1118m)

Type: Munros

On the back of my sore tendon I changed my plans for today. I was originally going with a small group to complete a couple of new Munros which had a decent ascent circa 1300m. I decided that I did not want to potentially hinder a walk so opted out and looked for an alternative that would allow me to go at my own pace but backtrack if required.

I have been too long in finishing off the Lawers range so the two remaining fitted perfectly. If I felt good I could complete An Stuc again but my plan was an in and out. This will be a long walk and tendon tester. The Met Office forecast had snow showers during the night on Lawers, wow.

The Lawers hotel had reduced its 'paid' walkers parking slots in favour of al fresco Covid drinking and dining. Think the weather now will change that soon. So next door is the farmers silage parking, same price. It looked full but the farmer was on hand to reverse me in and save me a visit to the honesty box, tax man not seeing a few quid over the season.

The sign is not really required but a nice touch. The walk down to the stag carvers was the sorest but I was confident that the tendon would ease once I started climbing. Initial progress through the woods alongside the bubbling Lawers Burn was very warm and I felt over clad as the sweat dripped off the brow but I knew when I exited the woods the wind would be prominent and so it was.

I had overtaken a couple of people and at the base of the steep climb up the ridge Sron Mhor (big nose) I caught up with a private school party who were hoping to take in the round of six, good luck. 

The final steep slopes to the summit of Meall Greigh.

Passed the kids and caught up with another couple, so much for the gammy leg! The views are superb looking over to The Lawers range with Lochan nan Cat below the corrie. 

Take a breather and enjoy the views back down to the start and over Loch Tay.

There is around 500m of fairly consistent ascent to get to the top of Meall Greigh where the wind is bowing a hooolie and very cold but it is dry. Time to layer up a bit.

Meall Garbh from Greigh's broken cairn. Ben Lawers on the left and the peak of An Stuc in the middle.

Then there is a 2km descent of about 200 metres, terrain now extremely boggy, very muddy boots. There is a fence of sorts to follow up to Meall Garbh a fine bad weather aid. 

A closer view of the slopes of Meall Garbh. More walkers to overtake whats going on!

The ascent lasted about 1k but is steep, almost 300m of ascent to reach today's highest point, exactly the same height as An Stuc. About half way up a full on storm arrived, heavy rain, very high gusting winds and the temperature dropped considerably. 3 hours from the start which I was happy with. 

Yet another top with no views of An Stuc, it has been a bogey weather hill for me.

However, no view so no hanging about and no An Stuc, I headed downhill to retrace my steps even though it meant another ascent of Meall Greigh. It counts as a Munro from this side but as I bagged it earlier in the day, no new tick. 

The route heading back to Meall Greigh.

At least the gradient is kinder if not the bog hopping, gloopy stuff. I pass the kids, still cheerful but not even on number two, I cannot see them doing six.

Looking back the storm has gone and everyone now ascending will have the views that I did not, no envy here. Back on top of Greigh and excellent views over Loch Tay, Glen Lyon and on to deepest Perthshire.

Back at Meall Greigh the eastern view over Loch Tay and Perthshire. 

Now simply retracing my out route, at times I felt as if I was practically running on the descent but still care required great heel slip conditions. Back on the tarmac and tendon now fully sore again, weird. There are many ruined shielings around, a reminder that this was a well populated area mainly flax spinning. 

The swallows grouped on the wires made me smile and a bit sad, no doubt on there way to warmer climes, lucky them.

Finally a look at the carvers impressive collection of horns waiting to be transformed into walking pole handles etc.

An excellent walk in mainly dry conditions. The ascent was up there with my aborted trip in terms of distance and ascent but I was doing this at my own pace which made a difference. 

Now the bagging map moves on with another couple of Munro weeks and then I need to concentrate on the other categories.

Wildlife: Raven; Crow; Meadow Pipit; Wheatear; Swallow.

Ascent: 1367m 

Distance: 16.9km 

Time: 5.45