We continued on the Glenshee road, past the many skiiers at the ski centre who were making the most of the snowy conditions, and finally reached the layby just a kilometre or so north of the Spittal of Glenshee. The other car was a 4x4 and had no problem getting into the layby, and some ice axe and shovel action allowed me to drive my car up and clear of the busy road.
After donning our outdoor gear we set off, through the gate and up the track. The track was covered in deep snow with a crispy top which our boots frequently broke through, ending up with snow up to our knees, sometimes ending up in the adjacent ditch instead. We made slow progress up the track because of the deep and uneven snow, but the views made up for our efforts. The surrounding hills looked particularly attractive blanketed in the white stuff.
On the track by GariochT, on Flickr
Gleann Beag. Glas Maol on the other side of the A93. by GariochT, on Flickr
Whilst ascending we saw quite a few grouse flying overhead, and their footprints.
Bird tracks by GariochT, on Flickr
We had only started the walk a little before 11am so elevenses seemed a bit unnecessary, but we thought we would have a tea stop at what seemed like a hut on the map... just around the corner according to my GPS. We continued up the track for a short distance, and the hut still wasn't visible. I checked my GPS again, and we had already passed the spot on the map... the 'hut' was just the dilapidated remains of a ski tow. Ah well. We just found a relatively sheltered spot on the hill for a 'first lunch', and dug out seats in the snow.
I then discovered that I'd forgotten my lunch. I emptied the contents of my rucksack - no, definitely not there. Must have left it in the car! I resorted to my emergency chocolate bar (everyone needs an emergency chocolate bar).
Now off the track, we headed northwest up steeper slopes, making use of the footsteps someone had conveniently already made in the deep snow. The wind was strong and the granular snow blew up the hill in whispy clouds.
Wind blown snow by GariochT, on Flickr
Near the top, where the ground was almost flat, the snow was very crispy but still not hard enough for crampons, so we just stomped our way upwards.
Crispy snow surface by GariochT, on Flickr
On the ascent by GariochT, on Flickr
The top was very very windy! Great views though.
At the top by GariochT, on Flickr
View from Ben Gulabin by GariochT, on Flickr
We continued southeast to the other top, and enjoyed more excellent views.
P1090143 by GariochT, on Flickr
Glen Shee by GariochT, on Flickr
Then we descended, much more quickly than we had ascended.
P1090168 by GariochT, on Flickr
Looking towards the Devil's Elbow and Glas Maol by GariochT, on Flickr
We stopped at a collapsed ski lift base (probably the 'hut' on the map), startling a few mountain hares that had been sheltering underneath it. One of the hares paused on a nearby slope, giving us chance to take a few snaps of it.
Mountain hare by GariochT, on Flickr
We descended to the track and started heading down, and shortly saw another hare just ahead of us. Two of us managed to get quite close to it before it scampered (if hares scamper) away.
Mountain hare by GariochT, on Flickr
Mountain hare by GariochT, on Flickr
Mountain hare by GariochT, on Flickr
Mountain hare by GariochT, on Flickr
It was just a short walk back to the cars from here, a 3 point turn (more like 10 point turn) out of the layby, then plenty of time for coffee and cake in Braemar. Another excellent day in the snowy Scottish hills.
