Snowy Ptarmigan

As we drove up to Killin, it was great to see some snow on the tops of the mountains, covering the top 200m or so. And I have to admit that some of my excitement was fueled by the hope of seeing some Ptarmigan with the snow as a backdrop.

Sadly the Ptarmigan didn't put on a show on the hill named after them (Meall nan Tarmachan), though there was snowy footprint evidence of both them and mountain hares. But still the top looked fantastic in its white covering.

With a reasonably strong wind, and us not being entirely set up for tackling snow on the rocky ridge traverse, we contented ourselves with the summit there-and-back, rather than the longer loop - a vindicated decision as the weather turned a little for the worse as we descended.

Given the choice between something like this or the city, I really don't understand wanting to stay urban! A great day away from the desk :)