We took the bikes with us to save some time on the long approach to Derry Lodge. Once the bikes were secure we began our ascent into fog.
The walk my Lui Water was pleasant. Due to the recent wet weather the water was moving pretty quickly so we chose to use the Luibeg Bridge.
Once over the bridge we found ourselves surrounded by bog. But once that was negotiated the hike up to Carn a'Mhaim was straightforward and enjoyable - just a shame we couldn't see much. By this point it was coming on to 10am and we kept telling ourselves the fog would be clearing up soon...
- the ... erm view from Carn a'Mhaim
The walk between Carn a'Mhaim and Ben Macdui was great. By this point we were in full waterproofs as the rain had hit. Thankfully the mist and rain cleared for a short time before we ascended to Ben Macdui but once on the ridge the fog had very much returned - our compass and maps (printed from 'walkhighlands'
) kept us on track. Getting to the summit of Ben Macdui was great - but again - no views due to the fog
- Ben Macdui bagged
I'm not sure whether the Big Grey Man played a hand in it but between Ben Macdui and Derry Cairngorm we got ourselves a little lost due to the gross lack of visibility (and I'll admit I was concerned for about 5 mins there
). However, by keeping an eye on the compass we eventually made it to the last Munro of the day. Again - no views.The weather cleared a bit once we began to descend Derry Cairngorm and once we got to Carn Crom we saw sunshine - by now it was just about 4pm!
- A slight break in the cloud as we came down from DC
A sodden grey walk which I'd rather not be faced with again! But it made my battered sausage and chips at the Hungry Highlander in Braemar thoroughly enjoyable!
