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Says 14km on the route but my phone said 19.2km - I was taking lots of wee steps though. Did the same loop as shown in Walkhighlands
The forecast for this hill was changing constantly the two days before actually doing it. We'd stayed in the car park the night before in our campervan and decided to just see what it was like in the morning. The road in from Lagganlia hadn't been ploughed but we had no problem with our winter tyres. Saw some other cars struggling though.
Dawn broke with clear skies and a good forecast so now or never we thought and headed off.
Lovely walking through the woods in the snow, so peaceful and beautiful. It was easy going and there were a few folk in front and behind us, even some ski-tourers. We left at 9am on the dot and by 10.10am we were well up past the trees.
- A walk in the woods
It was fairly easy going with the wind still low and the snow fluffy enough that no crampons required. Once we'd gotten to about 1000m the wind fairly picked up and it was baltic. Makes you appreciate the layers and that you are very vulnerable if things go wrong.
- Plodding upwards
- Hubby in front, as usual
Unfortunately the mist came down and we never got views at the top and there was no hingin' aboot.
- Approaching the summit
- The happy couple
I scoffed a power bar and kept on going. We decided to carry on the loop which meant the wind was at our backs. Despite a vest, merino base layer, fleece and down jacket I could feel the cold. It wasn't awful but does make you realise that you can't be caught short out on these conditions. I debated whether or not to put on my outer layer too but I think I'd've over heated.
- Hubby posing
Still no crampons required and we made good time. Back down below the mist and a bit more sheltered, I stopped for a drink and noticed a lonesome reindeer. Must've got separated from the herd over on Cairngorm.
- The lonesome reindeer
At 6'6" hubby sets a blistering pace and my wee legs were going like the clappers trying to keep up. I could see he'd reached the path and I finally got there about 5 mins after. He was just about to up and leave but was told unceremoniously to 'haud on a minute' so I could catch my breath, scoff some more nibbles and drink. The drinking part was difficult as the water in my bottle was turning to ice and resembled a slushy.
It was lovely to see the woods regenerating here. More and more trees are now dotting up the hills. It'll be interesting to come back in ten years and see how it's looking.
The walk back through the woods was sublime as the sun peeped through and the birds were singing. What a day! And chuffed to have done this in 5.5 hours in winter conditions when the WH guide said 6-7 in the summer. I think the snow was perfect to make good progress without crampons but enough not to have to watch feet on boulders. The descent had been a dawdle.
Back to the van and a bowl of lentil soup and a cuppa. Just bliss. I am again, a happy wummin!
