Total climbing: 1418 m
Total time: 08:41:35
Some interesting data
6 mile cycle in, 1h20 from 10.10 to 11.30
7 mile walk, 7h50 from 11.50 to 17.40 – average 1 mph
6 mile cycle out, 1h00 from 18.00 to 19.00
Càrn a’ Chlamain – 963m – Munro
Bràigh nan Creagan Breac’ – 885m – Corbett Top
Sròn a Chrò – 770m
Sunday, 2 October
This was the second day of our 3-day trip to Blair Atholl.
It was a beautiful Sunday with bright blue skies forecast for the whole day.
The previous day we had done the three Beinn a’ Ghlò Munros, so we didn’t get up till 8am.
We had our compulsory porridge and sausages, got everything ready, and left the lodge at 10am.
10.32 – On the path to Glen Tilt
We headed for Glen Tilt with the bikes. We’ve done that route many times, but I always see something new.
There was frost on the ground and on the trees. As the sun hit it, it melted on us.
There wasn’t anyone around as we cycled into Glen Tilt. It was wonderfully peaceful and quiet.
We rode past the bridge where we’ve had lunch many times. And we saw that the landslide had been repaired. The road is now open to cars once again.
10.42 – Saying ‘hello’ to the Glen Tilt sheep
We passed the waterfall, and all the familiar landmarks.
There was shooting practice on the other side of the river. We could hear shots in the distance.
11.10 – Cycling by the River Tilt
Eventually, we saw another cyclist, but he rode away and we never saw him again.
11.41 – View of the wooden bridge by the waterfall
We arrived at the wooden bridge at about 11.30am.
A hiker was coming in the same direction, and we soon realised it was the solitary hiker we had seen the day before.
He was on a 5-day hiking trip, and mentioned he was staying at a campsite. We saw him on and off for a couple of hours, until we got close to the summit. Then we took a different route and lost sight of him.
We parked the bikes by the electricity pole, and made our way up the hill.
12.19 – Climbing towards Càrn a’ Chlamain
Our aim was to climb Càrn a’ Chlamain, a Munro, once again. We first climbed it a year or two ago in winter. I still have to work on that post.
That winter day it was snowed down. This time it was imposing, rising against the bright blue sky.
12.49 – Meandering path with Càrn a’ Chlamain in the distance
We walked up along the meandering path. We could see Càrn a’ Chlamain in the distance.
14.12 – Adventurous sheep on Càrn a’ Chlamain
At 2pm we had lunch. More paté sandwiches, and cheese & tomato, like the day before.
As we got closer to the summit, some sheep were staring at us, but mostly they ignored us.
14.22 – Close to the summit
We could see all the peaks that we still have to climb one day. What a wonderful prospect!
14.26 – Simon conquering Càrn a’ Chlamain
We reached the summit of Càrn a’ Chlamain by 2.30 pm. It’s a very rocky top. I have to find out more about those rocks.
14.29 – View from the summit
From the summit, we could see Beinn a’ Ghlò and the route we had done the day before.
It was a nice reward.
15.11 – Weird lumps & Càrn a’ Chlamain in the distance
Instead of descending through the same path like the previous time, we continued west towards Bràigh nan Creagan Breac’, a corbett top.
There were some very strange earth formations on the plateau near Càrn a’ Chlamain. We couldn’t figure out what they are.
15.46 – Càrn a’ Chlamain & Beinn a’ Ghlò *
Then we reached Sròn a Chrò, an unclassified hill.
16.33 – View of the glen, Alpine style
We had a magnificent view of Glen Tilt. It’s rare to have an open view of a Glen like that.
At 4.30pm we had a short break: cake and chai.
From there on, the descent was very steep. It was hard on the knees.
17.09 – A very steep descent towards Glen Tilt
We got back to the bikes just after 5.30pm.
18.14 – Riding back home
We cycled back home with plenty of light. I was a beautiful autumn evening.
We got to the lodge at 7pm, ready for dinner, bath and bed.
I took all the pictures with the Canon camera, with the exception of the panoramic.
* Simon took this panoramic picture