free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Still struggling with what I had thought was a hamstring injury but seems instead to be referred pain from the lower back. Hopefully I can get more mobile in a couple of months but not easy judging how much to do just now. Yet another year of gradual build up I suppose.
Many boots have passed this way but I am still wary of the ice.
The Sutors with Ben Wyvis beyond is unusually clear. Normally the best image I'd get would be a hazy outline of the Sutors.
Even a couple of rigs or platforms are visible in the Cromarty Firth.
It seems to be but surely can't be the plume of the Norbord factory just east of Inverness with South Sutor behind..
A lot of snow on Ben Rinnes. Probably would not have been a good idea to try to get there though.
The Buck also looking good but I wonder what the road there is like.
Tap o' Noth. I wonder what the car park lane is like.
Knock Hill still has a bit of snow despite its proximity to the sea.
Ben Rinnes again.
Snowy Ben Wyvis prominent to the west.
As I reach the last long bend in the path to the top I take in the first sea views to the north and see Scaraben and co. showing up well.
Tap o' Noth again.
Last icy stretches to the top. I sidestep the ice but do have microspikes with me in case there are any tricky sections.
Morven makes an appearance.
It is chilly at the top so I don't linger. I take a short cut on the narrow path that descends in a straight line. This turns out to be relatively ice free so a good decision.
Morven from Banff.
