On my drive I was going to stop at Inverness after the walk to refuel the car to take me nicely through the week at Ullapool. The Sat Nav indicated that it would take longer than I thought to get to the start point. After 40 minutes of driving I didn't feel happy with the quantity of fuel in the tank and the pot of coffee served with breakfast had diuretic effects. A garage cum small supermarket in Aberfeldy provided resolution to both.
Shortly before 11 am I arrived at the start of the day's walk and parked up in one of the multitude of lay bys and car parks found on the A9. Socks and boots were placed on the correct feet. As rain wasn't predicted I elected to wear my prescription reactolite glasses rather than contacts with a pair of sun glasses. I set off whilst texting my friend Clare "Doing a walk. Parked lay by 87 on A9..." Changing locations did mean that I couldn't leave details of my route locally.
The route started off on a long track towards a small quarry. I knew it wouldn't be the most exhilarating walk I would do. I was soon amused by a couple of sheep of which one was sitting in a lofty position on a grouse butt. The track gradually made its way up the slopes and my car started appearing more and more insignificant in the lay by. I could see the gullies on the western slopes. Despite being June some of these still had snow held in them.
It was definitely Dunlin City, parents calling concealed chicks to remain hidden with their shrill voices. Eventually I found the quarry itself. In some ways not as large as I anticipated due to the big limestone ones near home. It was decision, which time of the Munros to do first. A look at the map and I decided that I would do the furthest one first A' Bhuidheanach Beag. Purposefully I set off on the south bound track. I had noticed only one other car parked in a lay by on the A9 so crowds of people weren't to be expected. Shortly two older ladies were walking towards me of which one was noticeable for her colourful attire. A few pleasantries and we all continued on our separate journeys.
Visibility was good so I continued not really paying full attention to where I was going and was just aiming. I followed the main track and then realised it could only go down and away from my destination. A quick check of the map and seeing a faint path on the opposite incline meant a steeper descent than necessary from A' Bhuidheanach. This was soon negotiated and I was on my way towards the trig point along with a fence post or two for company. Rucksack was dumped before I had a wander around and raided my rucksack for something to eat. I couldn't help but note this was the first Munro of the year done in shirt sleeves.I started on the return to the quarry. The route I should have taken was quite clearly laid out in front of me. I saw another lady making exactly the same mistake as myself earlier however she was too far away to beckon onto the correct track. For those who follow there is a cairn on A' Bhuidheanach, two small piles of stones lie to the east which direct to a track which initially is not visible and then becomes well defined quite quickly.
I soon arrived back at the quarry. A quick check of the watch revealed that I had enough time to grab the 2nd
Munro and arrive at Ullapool at 8pm. Food shopping was to be done the following day. I strode across the rolling ground fairly quickly. Some may see this as a rare occurrence north of the border sun tan lotion had been employed on exposed bits of skin. I wasn't long before I could see the summit of Carn na Caim. There is a cairn with what can only be described as a metal contraption sticking out of it. I could image that later in the year that the cairn had potential to house quite a few midges. I took time to look wander around looking at the view. After all this pile of stones did mark that 25% Munros had been completed. If someone had said that to me 10 years ago or even 5 I would have looked at them with disbelief! There was no time to party - and its a bit boring by yourself. A return to the car beckoned and a drive onto pastures new. I soon found the quarry for the final time and headed down the track. The car was a welcome sight and I was pleased that I crossed the A9 without difficulty. Once the car was opened and a door opened to let out the day's stifling heat I sent another text to announce that I was down without hitch. A look at my GPS showed that by my standards I had been moving very quickly! I drove off with satisfaction. They weren't earth shatteringly exciting Munros but a good way to break up a journey.
The track up to the quarry from the A9
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