The morning was cloudy and the temperature was far from tropical, but we drove up the A9 ready to get going.
Once we got out the nice warm car, we were all a bit taken a back by the chilly wind that greeted us, and we got into our gear quick smart (thankfully I had taken my baselayer as a precaution!!)
We got going, with 2 or three people just up ahead on the track which leads up to near the base of Cairn Liath.
- Looking across at Loch Moraig
We were never going to lose the track up Cairn Liath as you can see it a mile off.
We passed the old hut, and took part in a quick game of bog jumping, nobody, unfortunately fell in, so we continued up the path passing a couple of guys with their very energetic dog.
- Looking back at Loch Moraig in the distance
We made good time and the walk was pleasant enough as the worst of the wind was being sheltered from us, a wee sleet shower came and went and before long, we were at the summit, and could see the fine ridge that leads across, then down and back up onto the second of the days peaks.
We headed across the ridge and stopped for a quick snack break before tackling Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain.
- Sean loves his Graze box
- Doug
We climbed steadily up Munro number two but the wind was biting now and the face and hands were taking the brunt, but the sun was beginning to poke through which made the views all the better.
- Looking back across at Cairn Liath
We didn't stop once we reached the summit of Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and continued down to try and find a sheltered spot for a quick bite of lunch.
- Carn nan Gabhar in the distance
As our 'sheltered spot' was quickly found to be anything but, we headed onto the path again before our hands were frozen!
The legs were really beginning to burn now, but eventually we reached the top with fine views around.
- Atop Carn nan Gabhar, with Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain to the right, and Cairn Liath in the far background
We started the trek down, which we had read was going to be long and tiring, and boy was that statement correct!!
The legs were aching now and every little stumble on some stones on the path was sending pains up through the ankles and thighs, but the sun was now fully out and the stripping began.........
- A sun kissed Cairn Liath
The path went on for what seemed like forever, but eventually we stumbled down to the car park and in a decent time also. We got changed, and as I wasn't driving, I kept my shades on and had a well deserved nap on the journey home.
