However, it was the observations on the lower slopes that were more intriguing as we found 2 individuals on the ascent at 360ms and then on the descent via another route, a steady trickle of 26 individuals down to an altitude of about 340ms. We since heard from SNH that there was also a Mountain Ringlet seen on the regular transect that extends from the pylon corridor lower down. This could have been much lower, perhaps 200m altitude.
Although we were not expecting all sightings to be at the very top, we were surprised at the spread to lower levels. As conditions have been so dry, we wondered whether this was due to individuals seeking moister conditions lower down. Or is this nothing unusual? It all seemed contrary to the understandable fears that climate change is pushing this species off the top of some mountains.