Meall Cuaich

Hill of the cuaich indeed. Shaz and I had planned to do Beinn a Ghlo for this particular day but due to stalking restrictions, it was a non-starter. So, after Shaz drove us up to the Dalwhinnie area, we set off on a great track alongside a bizarre man-made waterway. This led us to the Power station and continuing the track past this, we reached Loch Cuaich and the small (locked bothy) beside it. I wonder who owns it, it looked in fine condition. We began the gentle ascent on to the shoulder of Meall Cuaich and it wasn't long before we were topping out on the mounded summit, with plenty of company to try and avoid during our lunch-stop. Lunch was composed of the usual for me but Shaz excelled with Brie sandwiches on finger-rolls. Little did she know what dessert I had in store. We began the walk back down the hill and before completely descending, we stopped for a wee breather whereupon I brought out....Cranachan!!! Shaz's lunch concoction had been scooped by a rather luxurious dessert, if I do say so. However, in the spirit of sharing I insisted she have some although I did forget to bring two spoons. Once I had ascertained Shaz's herpes status, I proferred her the 1st taste where she said "I'll try not to let it touch the sides". Honestly. We bounded back to the car and stopped in at the Old Mill Inn for a half pint (which touched the sides) before making our separate ways from Pitlochry. A lovely day which was bitter at the top and Winter is definitely round the corner. For once, a rather uncomplicated Munro and one to remember for the right reasons.

Beinn Achaladair & Beinn a Chreachain

These two hills dominate the view as you come down the A82 from Rannoch moor and I had always looked forward to climbing these. However, I had read much on the boggy approach and so it was that I got ye olde gaiters oot. The forecast was fab but I forgot my suntan lotion (in the basket) and I only had a litre of water - would it be enough?

Whether it was because I hadn't been on the hill for a month or my knee was limiting me, I didn't feel fit at all going up from the farm towards Achaladair. The bogfest didn't make for easy walking but after 90 minutes, I hit the bealach and turned North for the 1st peak of the day. The views across to Rannoch Moor and Loch Tulla were sensational. The higher i walked, the better it got and after a fabbydoo high level pad, I was at my first summit of the day. I took hunners o photaes, had a bite to eat and headed on towards my 2nd hill of the day. The route was clear and I began the taxing stint up towards the summit of Beinn a Chreachain. Feck me, I was puggled. I sat down and had a delectable lunch of penne pasta with courgette, sun-dried tomato and pine nuts courtesy of my lovely. So, began the descent and it was sustained until the bogfest part deux and ultimately, the hop across the river. It was against all my public health nous that I dipped my water bottle and imbibed but I simply had to, I was gasping. Goodness knows when the pathogens will hit me but numbers have been low recently so nowt like giving yerself work. A walk back along the track to the car and I met a fellow padder dae the 'deen - fit like ma loon etc? Great day out but definitely the route I picked rather than anti-clockwise. Just remains to be seen if it will be "Dear Diarama"...