ROUTE: Traverse of the ridge west to east, starting from Ben Lawers car park, using quarry track.
MEMBERS OF PARTY: With my friend Kenny Fraser
CONDITIONS: Very good visibility, Cold westerly breeze on ridge. Sub -zero conditions, all terrain frozen from car park level upwards. Numerous patches of water ice on lower parts of path. Light dusting of snow, hoar frost on ridge and summits.
DURATION: 12km, 900m ascent. Around 4 and a half hours
SKILLS PRACTISED: With my less experienced friend, I assumed responsibility for planning and leading route. Carried ice-axe and crampons. Axe used briefly on steepest part of ascent west of Meall Garbh. Crampons not required.
MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENT: Ravens at summit. One ate a piece of sandwich - not recommended to feed wild birds but they seemed very friendly!
KEY LEARNING POINTS/CONTRIBUTION TO EXPERIENCE: Care needed in icy conditions. The wisdom of carrying an axe and crampons even in very early winter was demonstrated.
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.
