Ben Vrackie - doggy style

It's been a good while since I took to the large hills with Winnie, our Frenchie. On this occasion, we would make for the 840m peak, which is Ben Vrackie, near Pitlochry. Starting at 250m, this would be nearly 2000ft of ascent for the pot-bellied dug. I needn't have worried, as she bounded up and down in less than 3 hours. Indeed, the only main obstacle was a stepping stone, which she was petrified of. I eventually had to lift her up and carry across 3 feet of open water, a chasm, ready to wash away any FB which ventured on to the hill. I really enjoyed this hill. Great views, a good path and an interesting route. We were first to the top and enjoyed chatting to those on ascent. I noticed in one of my photos a couple holding hands as they walked along the loch-side. Aw.

Goatfell from High Corrie

Absolutely stunning walk-run from High Corrie along the east ridge. The walk up the tarmac road eventually broke into the forest along an excellent dirt path. Once up past the first waterfall, the slope relented and allowed for easy going as we entered the coire. We opted to cross the burn and start the ascent on to the east ridge of Goatfell. With the sun beginning to set, the air became slightly cooler although our electric pace meant that we were sweating profusely. At about 630m, we met the first of many people coming off the hill and saw the tourist path. We began the final climb up towards the summit, occasionally using hands across large boulders but Craig found a wee path as we approached the summit and the view was absolutely mind-blowing. I knew we would see Cir Mhor and beyond but Craig really was astounded by how good the views were. We took pano shots, spied the Paps of Jura and then sank an Arran sunset ale. From here, we continued N over the Stacath pinnacles, which were fun. Our return trip then saw us descend into the excellent coire path and we ran the next km down to the waterfall whooping with delight and were home within 2 hours 50 min. A superb hill and one that will live long in the memory.