Wednesday 31st August 2016
Beinn Iutharn Mhor (1045m) - Munro
Andrei and I cycled from Dalmunzie. Unfortunately the direct route across the valley was impassable as the bridge over Allt Ghlinn Thaitneich had been washed away, so we had to make a 4km detour via the old military bridge at Spittal of Glenshee to gain the far side of Gleann Taitneach. We were able to cycle to just beyond the ford over Allt Easgaidh. From here we ascended beside a series of waterfalls to reach Loch nan Eun. Ahead of us, on the far side of the loch, lay the rise of the two Tops Mam nan Carn and Beinn lutharn Bheag. Although these are both Munro height their proximity to their higher neighbour rules them out from counting as Munros. We had thought we might ascend them anyway, but as the summits were hidden in the mist we didn’t bother. We headed for the beleach at 848m between these two tops and then made straight for the summit of Beinn lutharn Mhor beyond. The mist became more dense and once at the top it was much more windy. After sheltering and having some lunch, conditions deteriorated with rain driven by the wind (so no pictures at the top). We returned by more or less the same route, but now with the wind at our backs and the rain encouraging speed, we made very fast progress back to the loch. Here the sun shone and made the descent by the waterfalls very pleasant – as was the long mostly downhill cycle ride back to Spittal of Glenshee. The return to Dalmunzie, however, involved an uphill struggle against a moderate wind – I nearly ran out of gears, but eventually made it back about 5 minutes after Andrei.
Wildlife seen: 200 Red Deer in 3 large herds, 100 Red Grouse, 10 Mountain Hare, Dipper, 3 Goosander.
Distance: 27km (18km cycled), Ascent: 750m
Wildlife seen: 200 Red Deer in 3 large herds, 100 Red Grouse, 10 Mountain Hare, Dipper, 3 Goosander.
Distance: 27km (18km cycled), Ascent: 750m
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