The knobbly Tarmachan range is a marked contrast to the generally rolling, grassy hills that surround it. Though there's only one Munro, the ridge sports four distinct peaks, all of them over 3,000ft, plus a number of other unnamed lumps and bumps. The traverse of the lot from end to end is a classic and engaging ridge-walk demanding plenty of legwork at any time of year. In summer the technical diffi culties are negligible, with some very mildly scrambly bits that you might miss if you blinked at the wrong moment. But add a generous splurge of snow, and the range is transformed into a physically demanding adventure with just a hint of the Alps. Aspiring mountaineers will love the short, sweet Meall Garbh arête, which is a perfect introduction to the delights of walking narrow ridges in the snow. If only it was longer! Though no fancy climbing skills are needed, the arête and the tricky descent from its far end both call for competent use of an axe and crampons. The main challenge elsewhere on the walk is navigation through hummocky terrain, which can be confusing if it's misty. The ridge crest forms part of the boundary of the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, run as a partnership between the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. Budding botanists will love the unique range of high-altitude alpine/arctic plants - that's if any can be seen under all the snow that you'll hopefully be enjoying if the weather gods are playing fair. Fingers crossed...
Distance 13km (8 miles)
Total ascent 990m
Time 6 hours
Start/finish layby a few hundred metres northwest of Ben Lawers visitor centre NN605383 (please park responsibly)
Nearest town Killin
Terrain rough knobbly ground, with many ups and downs. Several short, steep ascents and descents requiring care and skill in ice or poor visibility. Narrow arête west of Meall Garbh is slightly scrambly but it's airy, and may carry a cornice in winter. Clear paths, but route less obvious under fresh snow. Return on a 4WD track
Maps OS Landranger (1:50,000) 51; OS Explorer (1:25,000) 378; Harvey Superwalker (1:25,000) Ben Lawers
Accommodation Ben Lawers Bunkhouse, Glen Lyon - tel. (01887) 866318; Braveheart Backpackers, Killin - tel. (01567) 829089
Public transport infrequent local buses Killin - Aberfeldy; request a stop at the bottom of the road to the visitor centre - tel. 0871 200 2233
Tourist info Aberfeldy Visitor Information Centre - tel. (01887) 820276
Nearest Cotswold store Glasgow (39 miles)
Please refer to the attached PDF document for directions and a detailed trail description.
From Trail magazine, to subscribe visit www.GreatMagazines.co.uk/Trail © Copyright Bauer Media Limited 2011. All rights reserved. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk.
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