This area covers the peaks to the north and east of Crianlarich. Glen Lyon forms the northern boundary while the road from Crianlarich to Aberfeldy is the southern boundary. The Ben Lawers group in the east of this area includes seven separate peaks, all Munros, which are part of an impressive 12km ridge line. The western side of this area is generally lower and not as steep but does still home some a number of Munros. All major peaks above 600m are included in the mountains list. The area to the north is Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon.
This was a beautiful winter walk. I was really keen to do these mountains in winter, as they are notoriously boggy, and we chose the perfect winter day. Me and the two friends I went with had tried to do this walk before, but had been defeated by the icy road past Ben Lawers car park. This time my friend's car made it as far as the southern end of Lochan na Lairige, and we walked from there, cutting up the embankment early to reach the path to Meall Corranaich. It wasn't the first time I'd worn my crampons, but it was the first time that I felt they were really useful, as the snow was fairly thin with an icy layer on top. We were surprised to be joined at the summit by a group of very pleasant young people who had no crampons, ice axes or even winter boots. However they were not going on to Meall a'Choire Leith. At one point I ran out to take a photo, and probably stepped on a cornice. I realised this and retreated, but it was a lesson to remember the extra challenges that winter brings. The walk out was pretty long and wearing, but a fantastic winter day out.
