Geal Charn - Monadhliath

[Gordon Ballantyne]

Glorious day after the RAF KMRT re-union & a chance to confirm a dubious Munro ascent. (It had been ticked off after completing the Glen Banchor hills in the 60's after a wedding in Aviemore and many drams, but I'd no recollection of crossing the glen to do GC )
First at the Spey Dam and headed off through the 3 gates - pushing my bike up the glen. Had just crossed to the Pipers Burn when 2 very fit guys overtook me carrying enormous packs which I was informed were paragliders. How many times have we stood on the top of a hill, wishing we had one of them. They disappeared over the horizon, which was disappointing, as I was looking forward to seeing them take off. The conditions for flying into the Spey Valley looked superb.
Toiled up from the gate at the corrie lip, following the muddy path by the burn trending up to the right and on to the broad ridge to the summit with the big cairn. At one time I'd considered crossing to Meall na h Aisre, but when I saw the peat hags between the two, I realised that discretion was the better part of valour.
Headed back down and directed a guy coming up the corrie onto the path and continued back to my bike - but not before skidding on to my backside on the quad bike track near the bottom. This highlights the disadvantage of wearing woollen clothes because when I got up from a very soggy landing, I weight about twice what I did before the fall !
Uneventful whizz down the glen on the bike and a slow trip back to Westhill behind some sunday drivers. One of the best days of the summer !