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Another weeks holiday from work has given me the opportunity to play in the hills
With it being October (cold/changeable) and still gaining experience, I didn't want to do anything too out my depth. Looking around for web reports I came across the Cairnwells as do-able for me. The plan was for Wed 24th Oct since I could grab the usual friends who had days off from work, unfortunately they couldn't make it.
So I was going it alone, doing a munro for the 1st time on my own... 1st time for everything!
I set off from Forres, Morayshire at 6.45 arriving and setting off from the ski centre at 8.30. The area was pleasantly clear, blue skies with the sun just creeping over the hills from the east. Fairly cold, not quite freezing or frosty although the car was reading 0 degrees at the start.
- The start!
- Carn Aosda summit starting to warm up in the morning sun.
Fairly straight forward climb up to Carn Aosda took about 30 minutes. Reached the summit with nice sunny views all round. Glen Clunie and Braemar shrouded in fog below.
- Carn Aosda summit whilst looking north to Glen Clunie
- Cairnwell and its masts for later.
- Carn a' Gheoidh lurking tall in the background.
Only stayed on Carn Aosda for 5 minutes as I took pics, I carried on towards Carn a' Gheoidh via Loch Vrotachan.
- Loch Vrotachan.
- Carn a' Gheoidh summit
I reached Carn a' Gheoidh summit about an hour after Carn Aosda, about 10.15. I stopped for a quick snack and snapped happily at the views.

- Looking west
- South westerly
- Looking north to Glen Clunie/Braemar still in the fog.
- East towards my last summit Cairnwell.
Made my way back and towards Cairnwell. I passed the 1st walkers of the day, a young looking couple who I guess were heading to Carn a' Gheoidh, where else?

- Carn Aosda
- Cairnwell summit
Not sure what time I arrived at Cairnwell, it seemed fairly quick. Not sure what to think of the masts and ski developments. It is I guess an eyesore but at the same time gave something interesting to look at. I definitely wouldn't say it spoiled my walk, I fairly enjoyed bagging those 3 munros and would encourage anyone who is new to hillwalking to try 1 if not all 3 of these hills to see if it's for them or not. Good starter hills
My pic of the day is from Cairnwell at the end, looking south to Glenshee, glorious views.
- Glenshee
- Down to the finish!
The isn't a built path leaving Cairnwell down to the ski centre. I had fun falling on my backside at least once on the wet, boggy vegetation

It was steep enough too which was a bit sore on the knees and feet but made it down steadily. I arrived back at the car before about 12, roughly making it about 3 hours 30 altogether.
A really good enjoyable short walk, I'm looking forward to doing another but not likely to get one in before the year ends. 2013 it is.
Thanks for reading.
