Cairngorms overnighter - Derry Cairngorm and Beinn Mheadhoin
Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 3:42 pmDay off on Friday, weather forecast iffy but since a day off work is not to be wasted decided to go for an overnighter in the Cairngorms. Had originally planned to do Beinn Mheadhoin and camp at Loch Etchachan as we set off about 10 from the Cairngorm ski centre car park.
Followed the ski road up to beyond the pump hut before cutting off right on a clear path to climb the right hand side of Coire Cas to a large cairn.
From there we headed south under Cairngorm to the start of Coire Raibert. The path was loose and rocky in places and a bit tricky with a large pack.
When we reached Loch Avon and headed round towards the western end, there were a few small beaches. Deciding this looked like a good place to camp (and being glad to lose the extra weight) we pitched up here about midday.
After lunch we headed up toward Loch Etchachan.
The climb up to Beinn Mheadhoin was pretty steep and I was beginning to flag a bit by now. Was worth the effort as the granite tors came into view though.
We then retraced our steps back the way we had came to Loch Etchahcan.
I was against doing Derry Cairngorm initially, but we'd had a good day so far,and since DC would be my 50th thought it would be a great hill to reach that milestone. So off we went over Creagan a Choire Etchachan towards DC.
We had great views over to the Lairig Ghru munros.
Then the long way back to Loch Avon for boil in the bag and bed for about 9pm. We had a tiny bit of rain, but overall a very dry day.
Awake at 5 the next day, freezing cold. Soon warmed up with the climb up Coire Raibert.
Back down a very misty Coire Cas to get back to the car for 8am. Coffee at the bakers then the drive south.
Great weekend!
Iain
Followed the ski road up to beyond the pump hut before cutting off right on a clear path to climb the right hand side of Coire Cas to a large cairn.
From there we headed south under Cairngorm to the start of Coire Raibert. The path was loose and rocky in places and a bit tricky with a large pack.
When we reached Loch Avon and headed round towards the western end, there were a few small beaches. Deciding this looked like a good place to camp (and being glad to lose the extra weight) we pitched up here about midday.
After lunch we headed up toward Loch Etchachan.
The climb up to Beinn Mheadhoin was pretty steep and I was beginning to flag a bit by now. Was worth the effort as the granite tors came into view though.
We then retraced our steps back the way we had came to Loch Etchahcan.
I was against doing Derry Cairngorm initially, but we'd had a good day so far,and since DC would be my 50th thought it would be a great hill to reach that milestone. So off we went over Creagan a Choire Etchachan towards DC.
We had great views over to the Lairig Ghru munros.
Then the long way back to Loch Avon for boil in the bag and bed for about 9pm. We had a tiny bit of rain, but overall a very dry day.
Awake at 5 the next day, freezing cold. Soon warmed up with the climb up Coire Raibert.
Back down a very misty Coire Cas to get back to the car for 8am. Coffee at the bakers then the drive south.
Great weekend!
Iain
It's a great area that I've been at a couple of times- still want to do Beinn Mheadhoin though and will likely overnight similar to you guys.
Super report from a great area. Great spot you got for your pitch.