Area: Drumochter, Scotland
Although this is the kind of dull pudding I usually try to avoid, as with the rest of the hills around Drumochter it is actually quite enjoyable and lends itself to a mild running approach. It is also something of a landmark, visible for miles around as it is quite isolated: it is particularly obvious from the north. It was the only choice this afternoon, as I had dropped the family off in Pitlochry station then headed back north after lunch. The route begins from the A9 near Dalwhinnie and follows a long track east to Loch Cuaich. From here, the path blazes an obvious trail directly up the broad SW ridge. I was feeling surprisingly good and really enjoyed it, although as the ridge levels off the dome-like summit becomes a bit tedious with the summit cairn a long way off, meaning I failed to break the hour. Good distant views, given the isolated location, over the Cairngorms (Tuesdays hills in particular) and across to Meagaidh and Ben Alder in the opposite direction (as well as across to Laggan and our cottage). I varied the descent by dropping straight into the little dry valley to the west. This was great initially, on springy turf, but led to a horrendously steep drop-off which had me lowering down heather and little waterfalls until I finally got to the lakeside. Tired for the return along the track, which was a tad tedious as a result. Cloudy but clear throughout.
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