Challenging hike was well worth the effort
Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club were in Tarmachan, a short distance east of the village of Killin and close to Loch Tay, for their walks on Saturday.
With three walks on offer all the hikers set off from the same point and made their way up towards the base of Meall nan Tarmachan, a 1043m high Munro and located in a very commanding position overlooking the village of Killin.
The low walkers then swung off to the south west, contouring around the base of the hills while the high walkers and the intermediate group continued their steady climb up to the summit of Tarmachan on a well trodden hill path.
Reaching the summit was hard work but reasonably straightforward, however the real rewards to be gained from this outing were only beginning at this point.
The traverse of the three lower tops on this ridge is looked upon as a very attractive supporting feature and the first of these was Meall Garbh, at 1026m, and accepted by many as the finest peak on the Tarmachan Ridge.
Continuing on to the west the two intrepid groups had a short, narrow ridge to contend with followed by a steep drop before climbing up on to the next top, Beinn nan Eachan at 1000m.
In mist this section can be quite challenging but fortunately the visibility remained clear and the track was well used and easy to identify.
From this 1000m top, the intermediate group turned back and descended directly down to a disused quarry which has an access road leading back to the start point.
Meanwhile, the high walkers continued on to the next, and last top, Creag na Caillich, 916m high and very steep and rocky on its east side, a feature which demanded that the group circle around and use a more manageable descent to the track leading back to the start point.
A very rewarding and challenging hike for both groups and one which is up there among the most popular in this part of Scotland.
Meanwhile the low walkers were making their way around the base of the Tarmachan Ridge on a rough but soundly built access track which led up to the disused quarry.
They then navigated their way across the rough hillside before climbing the short distance to the top of Meall Liath at 568m high.
From this summit it was relatively easy to follow the track leading back to the car park and the waiting bus.
The social hour was in Callander and the opportunity to replenish energy levels was most welcome.
The club’s next outing takes place on Saturday, August 6, when the venue is Corrour which can only be reached by train after being dropped by the bus at Bridge of Orchy. Members are advised to book early as this is always a very popular outing.
For more information about the club and its activities, visit the website at www.ololhikingclub.co.uk or e-mail ololhiking club@yahoo.co.uk or call Charles on 01355 222464.