Beinn Dearg....The Atholl Forest One!

After a pleasant evening at Pitlochry SYHA, and a good nights rest I drove up to Old Bridge of Tilt. It was going to be another scorcher, I enjoyed the shade from the trees as I walked up lower Glen Tilt. I was undecided as to my exact plan for the day.......

Welcome Shade!

Starting to climb away from Glen Tilt I had a quick look at the Jubilee Rifle Range. (it had been in use the day before, therefore out of bounds.)

The track beside the Allt Slanaidh wasn't on my ancient map at home, but was on the library copy I had with me! It makes for a very easy gradual, if long walk to the Allt Sheicheachan.
The hut was locked!

I had walked in on the LRT on the left to this junctin with the more popular track on the right.

I was now on the slopes of Beinn Dearg proper, the view out to the Southwest opened up the higher I climbed. There is still quite a scar in Glen Bruar from the recently installed hydro scheme unfortunately.

At last the summit dome of Beinn Dearg came into view....quite a scar of a path as well!

The top!....and looking over to the East and the bulk of the Cairngorms with the cloud spilling over. Had I had a little more time I considered going across to Carn a Chlamain, but I knew it would be late home as it was.  A guy arrived shortly after me, and chatting he told me he'd been in the Fisherfield a couple of days earlier. I asked if he'd seen Peter Dixon and Lee Taylor...he had! on Ruadh Stac Mor, small world.

Down beside the Allt I called in at the bothy, all very clean and tidy. slightly surprising as its fairly easy to get to by mountain bike.

A last look back at the bothy and Beinn Dearg as I set off back down the track to Old Blair.

I made good progess down the easy track ticking off the milestones as I went.

Back into the forest and again the shade was welcome, only a couple of km from here and I was back at the car.
Its a long old way on foot, but nt having a bike waiting at the bottom does give flexibility for someone like me who changes his mind!
"Preserve the long walk in" that's what I say!
A Strava tack is here for anyone who might be interested.