Tarmachan Ridge (Nov)

PLEASE NOTE: The GPX trace on this route is for use as a guide only, its accuracy may change depending on the scale of map you are using. Use in combination with judgement and a paper map. 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. Trail magazine, Copyright Bauer Media Limited.




Distance 12km (7½ miles)
Total ascent 800m
Time 5 hours
Start/finish Ben Lawers car park (NN608377)
Terrain good path for the entire ridge with several steep ascents and one tricky steep descent; one pathless section to drop off ridge onto good track to return to start.

Guidebooks The Munros ed D Bennet, pb Scottish Mountaineering Trust. 
NN608377 Take the new signed path from the bottom of the National Trust for Scotland car park. This heads west to meet and cross a wide track (your return route). From here you continue west, climbing gently to gain a broad shoulder.

NN591376 Here the path heads north, climbing steadily to reach a minor top at 923m. You descend slightly, crossing grassy terrain before a final and very steep ascent to the summit of Meall nan Tarmachan.

NN585390 From the summit there are great views down to the dam of Lochan na Lairige and across to higher neighbour Ben Lawers. Follow the ridge south then south-west from the summit, still on a good path. You descend gently for less than 100m before climbing briefly again to the small and pointed peak of Meall Garbh at 1026m.

NN578383 The descent from Meall Garbh is the trickest section of the day, the ridge dropping steeply across rocky slabs that become slippery when wet. The remainder of the route  to the final top of the day is unchallenging, with the still clear path aiding navigation through the grassy hummocks en route to Beinn nan Eachan. From this last top descend south-west down the grassy ridge to the col below.

NN565381 From the col you leave the ridge to descend south-east into Coire Fionn-Lairige. Here the path leaves you and you have to pick your way down the rough grassy slopes until you reach a small quarry and track below you.

NN574374 Once on this good track it is an easy walk to follow it back to the start, cutting off to the right onto the path to the car park shortly before the track reaches the road.