The Tarmachan Hills (Howard's Last Munro)

Despite the fact that I had gone without sleep for about 42 hours during the previous two days, owing to my crazy plan of travelling overnight from Worthing to London, I was still up early on this, the first day of my trip to Crianlarich. It was my first proper walking holiday in Scotland for five years, and I was greeted by blue skies outside when I looked out the window of the Inverardran B&B where I was booked in for the first two nights.

I explored the hillside above the house, but finding nothing much of interest I headed back along the road towards Crianlarich and discovered the "Crianlarich Community Woodland" project, a partnership between the Forestry Commission and the local community. Here native trees have been planted by local primary school children, which will grow as they do, which seems like a nifty way of encouraging young people to take an interest in their local area. Next, it was time for me to get back to the B&B for a wonderful all-inclusive cooked breakfast!

Howard and most of the rest of the party were staying at the Ben Doran Hotel in Tyndrum and I'd arranged to be picked up by them about 10 to 10. The whole convoy of five cars stopped while I popped my rucksack and change of clothes in the back of Howard's car before we all continued on to the starting point of the walk - the car park for Meall nan Tarmachan walkers. It was a pleasant surprise to find that I actually knew most of the party from Howard's Grey Corries walk back in 2011. Alasdair and Chris were also there, and even Isdale, whom I hadn't seen since 2004, 18 years before!

Looking across to Meall Corranaich and Beinn Ghlas

Ben More and Stob Binnein in the distance

There were thirteen of us altogether, and I think I may have been the youngest - this despite the fact that this was the first Munro I had climbed in my 60s! Not all were enthusiastic hill walkers, but we were all there to celebrate with Howard. All that to say that the pace was pretty leisurely as we climbed towards Meall nan Tarmachan. This suited me fine as I had decided that I would take things easy this week. This was an excellent start!

We had set off at about quarter to 11 and were at the first top (the nameless point 923m) by quarter to 1. Howard was holding out for lunch at the summit, so it was just as well we had all had hearty breakfasts!

We were now getting in amongst some snow patches, which of course provoked some snowballs flying about.

Finally at around quarter to 2 we arrived at the summit, with plenty of photos being taken. This I think was only my second "Last Munro", the only previous one being Ruth's

Isdale looking ready for the next leg

The man of the moment

The summit party, with the rest of the ridge behind

A leisurely lunch

Here is the whole party. Maggie is in the front with Anne beside her and then Janet. Howard is standing with Graham, then Isdale sitting beyond them. Alasdair is lying down (of course!) and Chris and Pauline beyond. Further off are Iain beside the cairn, then Jerry and finally Richard behind Isdale.

Six of us (Howard, Jerry, Iain, Graham, Isdale and me) were up for more of the ridge, specifically the next two Munro Tops, while the other seven of the party headed straight back down to the cars.

Needless to say, the pace quickened somewhat after this, but I was still OK. I also had no difficulty getting down the tricky scramble on the far side of Meall Garbh. I had forgotten this feature of the ridge, but of course, Matthew and I had successfully negotiated it when we did the whole ridge back in 2004.

Finally we reached the summit of Meall nan Eachan and it was all downhill from there, as they say. It was now 20 to 4 and our thoughts were beginning to turn to the slap up meal that Howard and Janet were providing for us all at the Ben Doran Hotel when we got down.

We hung around for a short rest and then headed on down on what looked at times like a path. Further down there were several different paths, but the one we favoured took us pretty much directly to the track by the quarry. From there it was straight back along the track and off down the road to Tyndrum and a wonderful meal. Thank you Howard for a great day!