Cairngorms

Cairngorm trip



Views from a snowy Macdui



Derry Cairngorm



I’d initially thought about having a go at a Rigby round, but the gales that had been battering Scotland the last week were still about. So I curtailed those ambitions and rolled up at the top ski centre car park with intentions of heading up into the hills to see how it was and then decide whether I’d have a long day or not.

Setting off into rain & hail didn’t do much for my hopes and going across to Ben Macdui I could feel the full force of the wind as conditions turned to whiteout. Fortunately a decent cairned route leads the way to its summit. By which time the snow had stopped & I got glimpses across the Lairig Ghru.

From here on I had the wind more o less on my back for a good part of the day. Luckily the cloud base was pretty high, which meant navigation was straight forward and views certainly eastwards were extensive as I traversed Derry Cairngorm, Beinn Mheodhoin, Beinn A’ Chaorainn,  Ben Bhreac & Beinn A’ Bhuird.





Nearly trod on hen ptarmigan & eggs



From the photos it’s hard to tell that the winds were constantly battering away at an average 45mph and gusting up to 70 and fro good measure more often than not a flurry of snow or hail. Despite this though I made pretty good time heading eastwards over the Munro’s eventually arriving at my furthest point Ben Avon. From where I had to now turn round and head into the teeth of it.

Snow flurries at Ben A'n Summit Tor

Coming back was hard work even having to push on in the downhill sections with most of the route being direct necessitating lots of heather bashing. Fording the river Avon wasn’t too bad as it was only knee deep & I warmed back up on the climb to lonely Corbett Creag Mhor.

Looking down to Loch A'n basin

The wind strengthened even more going over Bynack More and it was a real effort to get down before getting some respite on the steep climb to Cairngorm. This last top the only one where I got no views. I didn’t hang about to wait for them either and followed the cairns down to the top station and track back arriving back at the car 12.5hrs  after setting off. Surprisingly it had been a really good day, probably because I’d had good visibility for most of the time.









Along the Pennine Way



The Pennine Way



The hamlet of Lothersdale



A trip to Yorkshire for a social gathering under the guise of sorting out the WRPC club ropes, shortening, condemning etc, where necessary. Since it all wasn’t taking place till the afternoon I decided to run over. Lisa dropped me off at Gargrave where I travelled along the

Pennine Way

to Top Withins.



The Howarth Moors &
Bronte Country



From where I was able to pick up a Yorkshire Water dyke which took me to Denholme Gate. From there it was a couple of miles of road let to Thornton and the BBQ at the Caddie’s. Rope was measured and slashed, BBQ cooked and beer and craic enjoyed. But as they live on top of the hill we were exposed to the bitter westerly wind. So it wasn’t long before we retired indoors to enjoy the massive spread Nettie had prepared.

Steve & Chris practicing "tug o' war"

Pentlands evening ride



Cycling through the rape fields at Harlaw

 Had a couple hours last night riding with Andy. Set off from Harlaw over to Flotterstone to pick up Dougie then did a loop up of the resevoirs glencourse, loganlea, thriepmuir (where tri-athletes were having an evening dip) & finally Harlaw before back over to Flotterstone. Where we left Dougie and re-traced our steps for a bit of extra mileage.

Up the Larig

Had a quick run this afternoon before heading home. Been thinking about these two hills up the Lairig Leacach for a while. In warm, breezy and occasionally showery weather I made my way up to the bothy before heading up into the col via a Ramsey recky to the south of Sgurr Innes.

Looking towards Sgurr Innes with Cruach Innes behind.

 This first peak is fortified by steep craggy ground, but eventually by contouring to the east I found a easy path to the top. A steep descent leads to the col before a easy shoulder rises to Cruach Innes. A nice grassy decent and reunion with the track and I was back at the car after 2.5hrs.

Evening on the Ochils

Funny how you look at hills and never seem to visit and that's what its like for me with the Ochils. Many a time I look at them when out running in the Pentlands or pass them by on my way Norht, thinking I should visit them. So getting a txt from Andy a friend to say he was up working my way mid week and was I up ofr something. With my calf still sore from the Fling, I thouhgt good excuse for a walk in the Ochils. Along with Andy C from work we met up at Menstrie. Plan being to drive to Tillicoutry and walk back.

The way up the hills led up a nice steep sided glen with its steps, bridges and walkway weaving back and forth until we reached a small level dell from where we struck up to the grassy slopes and eventually onto King’s Seat.

Depsite the summery weather of the valley a biiter easterly was blowing and I was glad I packed spare clothes, hat & gloves. Grassy tracks then take you down and up to the shoulders of Ben Cleuch from where views of the distant hills in the setting sun. Calling I a day we made our choice of descent under the Neb and eventually back through woods to the car. Rounded off with a pint and portion of chips in Menstrie before the trip home.