Meall nan Tarmachan...

Boys at the start of the track...

This Saturday just past (25th August 2018) me and Aj finally managed to take the boys up their first Munro! After managing their way up a host of local hills like Ben Bowie, Conic Hill and the fine Ben Ann we decided it was time. We decided that Meall nan Tarmachan 1,044 metres would be the ideal Munro due to the high starting elevation and that the walk was roughly around 7km.

Boys at the summit of their first Munro...

We left the house and headed North up by Loch Lomond. Enjoying the views down the Loch before passing through Crianlarich and the Falls of Dochart before arriving at Ben Lawers car park shortly before 11am. We immediately got our bags on and headed West. Passing through some magnificent heather clad hills we slowly progressed upwards, one contour at a time. By the time the watch read 13:00 we were tucked down on the slopes eating lunch and enjoying the view down to Loch Tay. Once the boys had finished we set off and after a brief jaunt we had rounded the 700metre countour and headed Northwards up the broad ridge arriving at the South top at a height of 923 metres.

After another pit stop here for some water we started descending. When we finally arrived at the low point we stopped for some food to refuel and let the boys have a leg rest before the last steep ascent. From here we ascended quickly and finally reached the summit at 15:00. At 1,044 metres above sea level this makes it the 89th highest mountain in the British Isles. We were rewarded with extensive views in all directions. To the South-West, the sprawling Tarmachan ridge. To the South, running North-East, an extensive view of the totally unspoilt Loch Tay. A quick bite to eat, a stone put on the cairn and a couple of summit shots we decided that it was time to start descending.

We made quick time in descent. Mainly trying to keep up with the boys who decided that jumping and running was the best way to descend. We rolled past the end of the track towards the car park at 18:00. Six hours after we set off. With only one or two minor complaints about tired legs the boys did fantastic. The snacks certainly worked wonders.

A first Munro in the bag for the boys and hoping to add another soon...

Route profile...

Munro: Meall nan Tarmachan.
Distance: 7.5km.
Time: 6 hours.