Cairngorm Corbetts - a bike and hike...

[wilkiemurray]

Carn Liath (862m) and Culardoch (900m)

A change of plans on Saturday evening led to a quick decision to try these two Corbetts in Deeside. I had not been out to the hills with my mountain bike for ages so was looking forward to the descent!!

Up early and maps printed (and OS map looked out) and bike and kit thrown into the back of car. Reached Keiloch about 09.45 and was off around 10 ish. Forecast was indicating strong winds and cloud around 900m so I was pleasantly surprised to find mainly blue skies iin Deeside.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scotlandsmountains/8710037485/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scotlandsmountains/8710038681/
I cycled up through Invercauld forest until reaching the open moorland. The track was good and progress was steady. The views back toward Lochnagar and Glenshee were fantastic.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scotlandsmountains/8710040543/
I dropped the bike before Bealach Dearg and headed up Carn Liath first. The wind was strong on top however the lack of cloud and views made up for being blown about. I decided to make a trip to all three tops , just in case (map and descriptions suggest two or three summits around the 862m mark!!). Great views to Ben Avon and Beinn a’ Bhuird which still had snow covering them.


The hill was relatively busy given the nature of these hills – must have been due to the bank holiday weekend.

After a bite to eat on the Eastern top I made my may leisurely (had wind at my back now!) to the bike and then towards Culardoch.

I pushed the bike as far up Culradoch as possible (trying to make an easier descent) but eventually the track ran out and I hiked up the final few hundred metres. The top was windy and cloud was now starting to fill the sky – time to go home. A great descent off the hill saw me back at the car about 40 mins after leaving the top (with a few stops to chat!).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scotlandsmountains/8711173462/

[Stuart Angus]

What, no chopper sound effect on the route fly through.............sort it out nice report none the less

[wilkiemurray]

What, no chopper sound effect on the route fly through.............sort it outD

Darn it - I knew I'd forgotten something!!- haha - (standards dropping will sort it for next one ):crazy:

[hills]

Looks a decent day this, must add it to the long list...

[Tomsie]

Could try it this weekend if only one day off.

[denfinella]

You definitely post some of the best video reports seen on walkhighlands - very slick. Although I think you were breaking the speed limit at 4:02, and "steaming boots" isn't a nice image

Happy you got such nice weather / photos

[wilkiemurray]

Looks a decent day this, must add it to the long list...

Was ok

take the bike as makes descent good fun (and quicker)

[wilkiemurray]

Although I think you were breaking the speed limit at 4:02, and "steaming boots" isn't a nice image )

Yes - a very speedy descent -lol

I agree - steaming boots not a nice image - especially after my feet have been perspiring in them for hours and hours

[wilkiemurray]

You definitely post some of the best video reports seen on walkhighlands - very slick. )

Thanks - much appreciated - M