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Two chances at the viewI'd heard that Sgòr Gaoith was not one for just ticking off by walking in the clag, so tried to come up with a plan that would maximise my chances of being at the summit when there was a clear view.
Decided the plan would be based around the bealach in between Sgòr Gaoith and Carn Bàn Mòr.
Upon arrival, if the skies were blue I would continue straight up, but if there was no chance of seeing anything I would head over for an out and back to Mullach Clach a'Bhlàir.
Thought the detour would take approx 3 1/2 hours, and provide enough time for the conditions to improve
On the dayReally good forecast for Monday through to Wednesday in the Cairngorms so decided to go for it.
Actual track from the day out
Set off from the car park in Glen Feshie at 6:45
The opening views through the forest were really good, but there was an obvious problem up at the bealach.
There was a thick cloud sitting right on top of it
Sure enough, it wasn't long before I was up in the cloud and all visibility had gone.
Decided to stick to the plan and head over to the other Munro
Peat hagsCommenced marching across the plateau in the mist, and before I knew it I had been sucked in to a network of streams and peat hags.
Picking my way through the various obstacles, made a mental note I wasn't going back that way
See below - Cleaned up this GPX file in between the two Munros if anyone would like to use it to avoid the worst of the difficult areas
(Some of the paths through the grass / heather are faint but managed to stick to them accurately on the return. The small detour was to go and visit the shelter south of Carn Ban Mor)
Mullach Clach a'Bhlàir over to Sgòr GaoithMade it successfully over to Mullach Clach a'Bhlàir in the mist.
It was only when I set off for the return trip that I thought the bright sun was starting to work its magic on some of this cloud.
A little bit further on and there were some fantastic views down in to Coire Garbhlach
And quite an impressive emergency shelter that looks like it would take 2 or 3 lying down
Back at the BealachI'd first been at the bealach at nine this morning and its now approaching half twelve. This famous view is still in the balance
I did manage to get a peek under the clouds at the alternate return path and thought if I don't see anything at Sgòr Gaoith I'll probably head back that way.
Sgòr Gaoith summitMet a lovely couple that were on their way back down. Unfortunately they were gutted as they hadn't seen a thing. How long do you realistically wait we discussed? Hope you get a view was their parting gesture. Hill folk are the best
Making my way up the final rise I was still optimistic
Moved slightly closer to the edge in a hope of seeing Loch Einich.
Final fifty metres to the top
... but wait ...
What a stroke of luck. The cloud parted / burnt off just as I was on the final approach. What a special moment that was
The alternate returnSpirits had been lifted so much by the good fortune, that I decided to go for the alternate return rather than end up back at the bealach for the third time
This was the next walker up on the summit.
Some spongy moss to start with followed by a few boulder fields to keep up the interest
The final descent down the heathery slopes to pick up the return path to the car park.
(Initially the heather is quite short, but the closer you get to the path the longer the heather gets)
Back at the car in approx 8 hours, having thoroughly enjoyed the day out at Glen Feshie
