We got good weather for our hike up Ben Vrackie today.  16 Ramblers started from the Moulin Hotel, heading along the minor road until we reached the footpath that leads uphill through trees, before joining the well-defined path which crosses the heather moorland giving views towards the summit of Ben Vrackie.  

We stopped off for a quick snack pit stop at the benches, to admire the excellent views over Pitlochry and beyond.  A few of the group made a decision to continue at their own pace and reach a point where they were comfortable, and then retrace their steps. 

The rest of the group continued along the undulating route until reaching top end of Loch a' Choire with the path visible climbing up the steep zigzag route to the summit.  This part of the climb is steep, with many rough stone steps, but with some smiles everyone was happy to continue on the journey up to the top.  We took a nice easy pace, with some rest stops until we finally reach the summit cairn at 841m.  The views were great, of the surrounding hills and looking down below to Pitlochry.  

The weather turned very cold, and we found a sheltered spot to have our lunch break, and made the decision to not linger too long and head back down.  Following by the same path back down the steps until we reached the Loch. 

We were planning to branch off to circle the shores of the loch and take a slightly extra route, but giving the group the thought of retracing our steps and getting back earlier for refreshment and cake was more appealing.  There was still an option for some to continue on the planned route, and Tam was kind enough to lead them, taking path to the far end of the loch and continuing uphill over moorland to pick up the path which links Killiecrankie and Pitlochry over the hillside, which then leads back downhill to our finishing point.  

We all caught up at the Moulin Inn, for drinks and a bite to eat, before our coach picked us up to head home. 

Thank you all for joining the walk today, and well done everyone!😊

Walk leader - Wendy C

Photos courtesy of Wendy C and Tam.  To see all the Photos of this walk, follow this link    Ben Vrackie