The first section is a bit of a slog up a lower, unnamed summit a little to the south-east of the main peak. That said, the built path is a vast improvement on the bog that preceded it.

Once you have hauled yourself up to the top, the fun begins. Meall Garbh's summit heralds the beginning of the best of the ridge with a narrow path.

There is a rock slab at the start but it presents little difficulty, and afterwards you can enjoy views stretching south to Ben Vorlich and the Trossachs, ahead towards Glen Lochay and Glen Dochart, and north to the mountains of Glen Lyon. Behind, always, looms the Lawers range.

At the far end of the narrow section is the trickiest part of the day – a series of rock slabs that you should descend with the help of your hands. Once over Beinn nan Eachan, with its deep gullies and hidden bealachs, there follows a boggy section that takes you away from the ridge before meeting up with an old quarry track.

If you have the energy, retrace your steps along the ridge from the top of Beinn nan Eachan, back the way you came – it's a far more exhilarating return.

Before you set out on this high-level walk, make sure you are fully equipped for a day in the mountains.

Great care should be taken in wet and icy weather as the rocks can get very slippery. High winds also make the route difficult as it is exposed in places.

Distance 7.5 miles.
Height climbed 2,400ft.
Time 5 to 7 hours.
Map OS Landranger 51.

Park

From the centre of Killin, take the A827 for about five miles east, along Loch Tay, and turn left at a brown sign for the Ben Lawers visitor centre.

Drive about a third of a mile past the visitor centre and park at the top of a track, on the right.

In summary

Continue down the track and over the Allt a' Mhoirneas before bearing left. About 300 yards after going through a metal gate, take a path going off to the right, dropping down to cross a small burn before rising up the southern slopes of the lower summit of Meall nan Tarmachan.

The path goes right and climbs up to the top of the lower summit; cross this and drop down to a stile.

On the other side, follow a path up and over a grassy hillock before going very steeply up. The path levels off then doubles back to the left to reach the summit.

Walk over the summit, dropping down and to the right. The path continues past small lochans and up to the base of Meall Garbh. Follow the narrow ridge along, taking care at first as you drop down a slab of rock. At the far end, take care again and use your hands to help scramble down to a bealach.

Follow the path up to Beinn nan Eachan and then zigzag down the far end. Go up slightly, along the path to a depression after some rocks.

A small cairn marks the point where you leave the main path, to the left, heading along a faint path over boggy ground that goes roughly south then south-east. Take care here as there are a few rocky outcrops that it is possible to walk over.

Eventually, you should reach an old quarry and its access track. Follow this back to the car park, ignoring other tracks to the right.

Refreshments

There is nothing at the visitor centre but plenty of places dotted along the road by Loch Tay. Killin has a wide choice to suit most tastes.

While you are in the area

The Fortingall Yew, at the far end of Loch Tay, is fascinating, dating back thousands of years. It is said to be the oldest living thing in Europe.

In Killin, the Breadalbane Folklore Centre (01567 820254, www.breadalbanefolklorecentre.com) has plenty of information on the history of the area. It is situated right next to the Falls of Dochart.