
I first did this walk in July 2017, on my own, and I was quite shocked at how tricky the "Bad Step" was. I took off my backpack to steady myself, and as I tried to secure it, it went tumbling down the hillside. I made it down the Bad Step, mainly inching down on my bum. I always intended to go back and practice it.
My friend Dawn was keen to do the Tarmachan Ridge, so I said I'd go with her, as long as she didn't mind me spending a bit of time at the Bad Step. The weather was quite good as we set out, but once we reached about 900m, the wind was so strong that we discussed whether it was sensible to continue. We were in a bit of an exposed area, and as we climbed higher the wind subsided. We had a great day, and we went up and down the Bad Step a few times. Instead of doing the circuit, we returned along the ridge, and did the Bad Step again. I felt very confident on it at the end of the day.
Area :
Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay (Ben Lawers)
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.