free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
After a long, long break from the hills due to a snapped Achilles tendon I was getting itchy feet for some big hills. I had done a few walks in the Pentlands and lower level to try to build up some fitness again and felt that with the high starting point they were a good reintroduction to Munros.
A very early start was required so I could get back in good time for a nap before the Superbowl so left the house at 04.30! Arrived at the Ski Centre for about 06.15 and was walking for 06.30. It was still pretty dark and windy so the headtorch was required for the initial ascent.
The going is pretty steep to start with and there was still a fair amount of snow on the path so it was hard going to start with. Thankfully the wind eased as the sun began to rise and soon enough the headtorch was off. It was quite mild even in the early morning so the snow was beginning to melt and become slush, this made it pretty hard going but I'm sure it was good for the fitness!
After about 45 minutes we reached the top, still pretty overcast but some nice views down to the cafe. Cooper had a go at chasing a hare but realised pretty quick he had no chance of catching it!
- View Down to the Cafe
We didn't hang about too long here and were quickly back down walking past the chairlifts. Following the path was easy, past the Loch and we began to ascend again.
- View over the Loch
We reached the bealach before ascending again, from here the path was pretty tricky to follow given the snow. Thankfully visibility was still good enough and I had my GPS to follow if I needed.
- View towards Carn Nan Sac
We carried on and as we came to Carn nan Sac the weather closed in and visibility was down to about 50 metres or so. Still, I had a good idea of the direction and was able to double check our progress as required so no major issues. We traversed the plateau here and were met with the face of Carn a'Gheoidh. This was definitely the hardest part of the walk as the snow was very deep and it was a fairly steep ascent. We reached the ridge finally and it was an easy stroll to the cairn from here.
We were just under the cloud so got some good views to the West at this point. We stopped here for some lunch and a coffee, probably Cooper's favourite part of the day as he pinched one of my rolls!
- Coffee on Carn a'Gheoidh Summit
- View to the West from CaG
After this the descent and return back to the bealach were pretty straightforward, it took just under an hour before we were heading up the cairnwell. The final ascent up to the Cairnwell was pretty tough but I think this was just as I was tired and pretty wet from the snow/slush. Th weather was pretty poor now which gave the summit a bt of an atmospheric feel to it.
- Cairnwell Summit
We swiftly headed back down and I decided to head down the direct route of the chairlift. It was faster but I did slip and slide down a few bits! Back to the car for about 11.15 and home in plenty of time for the pre-game nap! Great to be back out and although the weather wasn't quite as good as I'd hoped for it could have been much worse!
- Cooper Posing as usual