free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
The route of this walk is well documented by fellow walkers so for a change i will give a short story of our day and provide nnumerous photos.
Leonide had suggested a date for walking few weeks back so i came up with the route - Lochnagar 5.
Joining us would be 2 fine gentleman from Gourock. This would be their 1st big Winter Walk so having webbed feet may be advantageous if a sudden thaw! Gordon and Graeme provided great company all day and handled everything the conditions threw at them....although never let Gordon navigate if his driving acumen is anything to go by.
Weather was forecast as 80mph winds and snow storms with some pockets of sunshine. The far east was looking good.
For reasons only known to Gordon he decided to take us on an ad hoc tour of Lochnagar Distillery and Balmoral Estate before finally reaching the car park at Glen Muick - male drivers
We set off at 9am with the sun shining - although at low level the wind was ferocious
We had not long started to find many walkers turning back and heading for the car park - the wind was too strong they informed us.
We carried on and soon came upon the snow. Myself and Leonides 1st winter walk of this season had begun, not to mention the Gourock boys 1st ever winter escapade....the slow pace meant if doing all 5 Munros we would be finishing in darkness
Now the wind was on a par to a tornado at this point so we huddled together just before the ascent of the boulder field and discussed the merits of doing 1 munro, never mind 5. We decided to go for the summit of the first munro and evaluate our position. The direction of the wind meant we wouldnt be blown into the corrie below, a calculated descision.
Video ascending the boulder field
http://youtu.be/S5QcHMD_Yck?hd=1After some treachorous scrambling with rock and ice underfoot we made it to the ridge, phew!!
Safely on the ridge we headed towards the 1st munro - the views at this point stunning with sunshine belting off the snow. It was great to be out in winter, in testing conditions, dont half make you feel alive
We stopped for some food before setting off for munro number 2, yes we had decided to go for the 5. We would be the only people to take these on today. The going was still tough but the safety aspect was fine due to exspansive plateaus. The risk ahead would be finishing in the dark
On heading for number 2 i realised my compass had a bubble in it. I followed its direction and eventually we came to a cairn. This was a munro top and not 2nd munro, my GPS confirmed this. I had added 2k and more ascent to the route, oops!! Gordon had forgotten his map and compass and it turned out Graemes compass had a bubble also. Ultimately it transpired that any reading taken was thrown off by 50m either side of our line. This was now a pain as visibility was poor due to snow storms, we had to proceed with caution....whilst having some fun
We continued to take dodgy readings and just get on with it. The weather at this point was horrid and the darkness was quickly shrouding us. The last munro would be done under the moonlight and stars.
We reached the last munro around 6pm, i think. We had 8k more to walk, conditions still bonkers but the wind behind us. I led the way and decided to stay high on the plateau and take the defined path, if i could find it, rather than dropping down to the stalkers path running alongside Lock Muick....far too dangerous in darkness.
Vid of the walk out
http://youtu.be/kJxRh1TdfQQ?hd=1The walk out was thrilling, the feeling of isolation in a remote area with the snow belting your face a joy. The stars in the sky shining bright and illuminating the sky, the crashing noise of water from a nearby fall....this is what Saturday nights are all about
Got to the car at 8pm, we didnt hang about due to long drive back to Glasgow.
Thankfully Gordon decided against a revisit to Lochnagar Distillery and Balmoral Estate as once is enough for one day....although we did visit Perth on numerous occasions on route home. Poor Gordons descision making was poor due to fatigue and delirium, twice he took the wrong cut off and we ended back in Perth. . . .was all in good fun though.
He had managed to get us through Glenshee safely as the snow was relentless and thick making conditions very dodgy indeed. Lucky to make it up the hill to ski centere then the drop down was at a snails pace to keep control of the car.
Eventually reached Glasgow 12.30am only to find the Police cornering punters in some pub at Ibrox where i had parked my car. Another scuffle no doubt fuelled by alcohol and stupidity....thank goodness for the hills and like minded folk.
I gort home at 1am but was wired and didnt sleep till 4am....
What an epic 1st winter walk of the season, will be hard to top that.
Thanks to Gordon for driving, Graeme for the nuts and Leonide for good company....she sings and dances well
