Glas Tulaichean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glas Tulaichean |
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Glen Tulaichean view from Meall a Choire Bhuidhe
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,051 m (3,448 ft) |
| Prominence | 384 m (1,260 ft) |
| Listing | Munro |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Grey-Green Hillocks |
| Language of name | Gaelic |
| Geography | |
| Location | Perth and Kinross, Scotland |
| OS grid | NO05107600 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 43. |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Glas Tulaichean is a large Scottish mountain. It is found about 18 miles (29 km) south of Braemar. This mountain is in an area called Perth and Kinross. It is the tallest of a group of rounded hills. These hills are in a wild area between Glen Tilt and Glen Shee. Most people climb Glas Tulaichean from the Spittal of Glenshee. They usually start their hike through Glen Lochsie.
Mountain Shape and Location
Glas Tulaichean is 1,051 meters (3,448 feet) tall. This makes it a Munro, which is a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet high. It is the 79th highest mountain in Scotland. The mountain has different valleys around it. To the north is Gleann Mòr. Glen Lochsie is to the south. Gleann Taitneach lies to the east.
The mountain has several ridges coming off its summit. These are mostly on the east and south sides. The northwest side drops very steeply into Gleann Mòr. On the east, three clear ridges create two hollows. These hollows are called Glas Choire Bheag and Glas Choire Mhor. They lead down into Gleann Taitneach. The southern slopes are not as steep. They have grassy ridges that go down into Glen Lochsie.
How to Climb Glas Tulaichean
The most common way to climb Glas Tulaichean is from the south. There is a special track for landrovers. This track goes up gentle slopes from Glen Lochsie. It leads almost all the way to the top of the mountain.
You can start your walk from the Dalmunzie Hotel. This hotel is near the Spittal of Glenshee. An old railway line used to run from here. Now, it's a good path through Glen Lochsie. It takes you to the ruins of Glenlochsie Lodge. From the lodge, the landrover track continues. It goes up Breac-reidh, which is the southern ridge of Glas Tulaichean. This track will lead you right to the summit cairn.
The area around Glas Tulaichean is quite remote. Because of this, many hikers combine their trip. They often climb Glas Tulaichean with two other nearby Munros. These are Càrn an Rìgh and Beinn Iutharn Mhòr.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Glas Tulaichean is a very special place for nature. It is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it is protected because of its amazing plants. It has many rare flowering plants that grow in the uplands.
This area has unique rocks. Most of the rocks are acidic. But there are also some limestone rocks. These limestone areas are very rich in plants. They support many rare arctic-alpine plants. These plants are specially adapted to cold, harsh environments.
One very rare plant found here is the woolly willow. For a long time, there was only one female bush of this plant. It was one of only 11 known places in the entire UK where it grew. Now, more woolly willow plants have been added to the area. Other rare plants, mosses, and liverworts also live here. They often grow on rock outcrops and in limestone soils. Special wet areas, like springs, also have unique plants.
Even though they are not the main reason for the site's protection, there are large areas of heathland. These heaths are home to special birds called dotterel. These birds come here to breed. Glas Tulaichean is also part of a larger protected area. This area is called the Cairngorms Massif Special Protection Area. It is important because golden eagles breed there.
