Meall Greigh, Meall Garbh & An Stuc

(28.9.13) Meall Greigh, Meall Garbh & An Stuc,7 hours,16.5km,ascent 1288m

Another early start with Lucas picking me up 6sh. Parked at the Lawers hotel & walked along to Machuim farm and then followed the track up on the east side of the Lawers burn. Headed N up through the morning clag to an inversion. As we climbed the grassy slopes there was great views over to An Stuc & Ben Lawers as the clag poured along the slopes whisping around giving a spectacular sight. The summit of Meall Greigh 1001m, was clag free and above the summits. Few pictures then we descend along the ridge W to the bealach of Lairig Innein. Lucas realised he didn’t have his GPS so ran back up & luckily found it at the summit. I felt okay but abit concerned about my tinnitus and ear pressure. Climbed the slopes NW then SW onto the ridge which curves to the left and into the clag. Hit the summit, Meall Garbh,1118 m then we had a quick check of the GPS. I took a bearing then we headed to the next bealach SW. Had something to eat before we prepared ourselves for the scramble. All fears were quickly eroded as it turned out to be a great wee scramble. There was a faint path as we looked up and chose our route scrambling up with our hands and feet. It was pretty steep at times but nothing too scary in the way of exposure. We hit the summit, Meall Garbh,1118m again in the clag. Had another bit to eat. Descended SW down the SE ridge to Bealach Dubh then SE down the steep grassy gully by the stream to Lochan nan Cat. Headed E along the S side of the Lochan follwing the path  to a dam used by the Lawers hydro scheme. Followed the track SE by the Lawers Burn and onto a clear path that keeps high above the Lawers ravine. Descended into the ravine and crossed a footbridge before rejoining the outward route and back to the start.

Glas Maol Munro Circuit

(14.9.13) Glas Maol Munro Circuit, Cairnwell Pass.6.5 hours,20km,Ascent 1033m

 Crashed at Steve’s for the weekend. Up early, dropped off Helen in Perth then headed North to Glenshee. Parked at the lay by on the east side of the A83 and followed the grassy path by the old stone bridge, part of the old military road from Perth to Braemar. Headed E up the glen of the Allt a Garbh-choire. Passes sets of old shielings as the terrain changed from grassy heathery slopes to loose scree. I had a headache at the back of my head as we aproached the summit. It must’ve been the cold and the altitude. The climb was hard going but we finally made the summit of Carn an Tuirc,1019m. Took a few pics before we headed E then SE crossing the vast plateau and followed the path. Followed a line of fence posts and a drystone wall to the summit of Cairn of Claise, 1064m Headed SW along the broad ridge and stopped for a bit to eat. Banter flowed about characters from Teuch, yeeeaaappp and looking over to good views to the cliffs down into Caenlochan Glen. Continued over and then a gentle ascent to the summit of Glas Maol,1068m. Few pics then we were off heading W and then S over Bathach Beag to the bealach 932m and shelter. Headed over Cul Riabach on the ridge and ascended to the stoney summit of Creag Leacach, 987m and our 4^th and final Munro of the day. Headed back N to the W slope of Glass Maol the picke up the path NW to Meall Odhar 922m. Then headed W down the land rover track beside the ski paraphenelia and heather bashed N then over onto the A93 and a short walk back to the start. Lost my map and my hat but i told steve to drive back along the road slowly and sure enough found it. Popped in for a coffee in the Glenshee ski centre and then headed back down the road. A great and epic day. Back was sore especially ascending Glass Maol but eased off after that. Summits were clear with sunny spells and light rain towards the end of the walk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXgrbYY-O0M&t=23s