Ben Macdui
Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 8:13 amHad been waiting for the road to the ski centre to be cleared, they finally managed it for Saturday! I suspect a larger snow clearing machine would help them up there?
I had intended to do Cairn Gorm also but decided to cut it out and go up via Choire Chais. Loads of snow as you would expect but it was mainly consolidated. Great pity was that the mountain was clouded in which meant whiteout conditions for the majority of the route. The only objects visible for most of the time were my feet which stumbled from one step to the next, nothing more tiring mentally than being unable to see where you are putting your feet with little idea of whether you are on the flat or not, other than to look at your GPS! Was a stiff breeze blowing also just to keep you on your toes.
Would not have attempted this without the GPS, there were several small groups on the same route but just with map/compass, I doubt they made it across to Macdui given they were stopping more often to try to work out where they were rather than actually walking. Before you all jump on me for using the GPS, I always carry 2 of them when in these conditions and a map/compass, as I walk on my own.
I doubt many folk had been up there this week given the road was closed, no sign of any old foot prints whatsoever, all my own steps!
Unless snow conditions change the walking up there is now fairly good, just wait for a bit of clearer air to make life a little easier
Terence
I had intended to do Cairn Gorm also but decided to cut it out and go up via Choire Chais. Loads of snow as you would expect but it was mainly consolidated. Great pity was that the mountain was clouded in which meant whiteout conditions for the majority of the route. The only objects visible for most of the time were my feet which stumbled from one step to the next, nothing more tiring mentally than being unable to see where you are putting your feet with little idea of whether you are on the flat or not, other than to look at your GPS! Was a stiff breeze blowing also just to keep you on your toes.
Would not have attempted this without the GPS, there were several small groups on the same route but just with map/compass, I doubt they made it across to Macdui given they were stopping more often to try to work out where they were rather than actually walking. Before you all jump on me for using the GPS, I always carry 2 of them when in these conditions and a map/compass, as I walk on my own.
I doubt many folk had been up there this week given the road was closed, no sign of any old foot prints whatsoever, all my own steps!
Unless snow conditions change the walking up there is now fairly good, just wait for a bit of clearer air to make life a little easier
Terence