Ben Gulabin

[GariochTom]

There had been a fair bit of snow fall the night before, and the roads between Inverurie and Dinnet were white. Fortunately, the A93 road through Deeside was virtually clear of snow so we arrived at Braemar in good time to meet the others.

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.

Ben Gulabin 02 FEB 2013.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

[simon-b]

A good day out, Tom. Great winter scenery, and some nice shots of the hare. I was in Glen Shee in summer, so it's interesting to see those familiar hills covered in snow.

[Gavin99]

Some smashing photos Tom , especially the hares , lovely beasties
I was up this hill in the 'summer' in cloud so didn't see much , it certainly looks fantastic in its winter coat.

[jenniferc6]

brilliant photos, i was just along the road from you at Crag nan Gabhar and the views were great

[GariochTom]

Thanks all The Glenshee hills are definitely more interesting and picturesque when covered in snow!

[The Rodmiester]

You just made it in time the road now closed between Blair and Braemar. Nice views from the top, and like the third photograph of the hare, superb

[tall-story]

Aye Tom, I was on the very same hill and was about 100yds behind you, when I turned left and went straight up as the snow was a bit soft and I opted for the less snowy ridges. I was just heading off to your left with Fern (my cocker spaniel) when you were on your approach to the summit. Damn cold day but great none the less. I dont mean to highjack your post but this is about the only photo that I got different to your selection. Colin

[GariochTom]

Aye Tom, I was on the very same hill and was about 100yds behind you, when I turned left and went straight up as the snow was a bit soft and I opted for the less snowy ridges. I was just heading off to your left with Fern (my cocker spaniel) when you were on your approach to the summit. Damn cold day but great none the less. I dont mean to highjack your post but this is about the only photo that I got different to your selection. Colin

Great photo. Hope Fern didn't have too much trouble in the deep snow with her shorter legs (I guess she does have four wheel drive which would help)!

[Graeme D]

Looks pristine, but 4 hours for this route! That's what breaking through knee deep unconsolidated snow does to your timings!

[GariochTom]

Looks pristine, but 4 hours for this route! That's what breaking through knee deep unconsolidated snow does to your timings!

The 4 hours included a few stops (including lunch, although I'd forgotten mine) but yes the snow really slowed us down! Maybe snow shoes or cross-country skis would have been handy...