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Departed from Glenmore campsite on Monday 8th July at 9am, the walk up to the Cairngorm bowl car park was steep especially with our over loaded packs!! A tough start, however the day was beautiful and the expectation of the forthcoming expedition was exciting.
We made our way via Chalamain Gap which was breathtaking and a nice path through it certainly helped, a couple of scrambly areas required but nothing taxing. The view then opened up to reveal our path ahead. By this time the temperature was rising however both feet and shoulders remained ok.
We made our way down to the burn coming from Lairig Ghru and crossed it where a section of it was under the rocks, this was amazing sound and experience. We crossed over directly and immediately made the steep climb up towards Coire Gorm and made our way round to Braeriach which was stunning when reached. The views really did open up. Our plan was to continue on until we reached the saddle between Cairn Toul and Devils Point, a very long plan and so we did not hang about too much.
Progress to the wells of Dee was steady and we stocked up on fresh water from the burn, beautiful and the views of deer and reindeer were fantastic, a group of about 20 were running around close to the wells. Followed the shoulder round to The Angels Peak which was nice and dramatic and en route observed Ptarmigan along with about 8 youngsters, this was just wonderful to see.
By the time we reached The Angels Peak and Cairn Toul exhaustion had set in, however they were still both thoroughly appreciated and Cairn Toul descent was very rocky.
Camp site was chosen just above the saddle as planned however provided a perfect base for an overnight stay. Got slightly chilly when the sun went down and rather windy during the night however the sunrise was worth it.
Set off 7am and made quick work of Devils Point hwever spent some time at the summit enjoying the early morning views. Another perfectly clear day.
Descent towards Corrour Bothy again spending some time at this famous landmark and appreciating the views.
A very long slow walk out of Lairig Ghru however thoroughly enjoyable and some cracking boulder fields. During this walk out we saw a female deer with her two young, a very rare sight and breathtaking. A boulder fell from a great height also making a huge noise before settling in front of us and we also saw male and female grouse. Superb!
Our route back was via Rothiemurchus Lodge and then the long road walk back to camp site....
Fantastic expedition, my first wild camp up a mountain....cant wait to get back out.
Pics below from flickr....enjoy....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ash_rob_2006/sets/72157634729882107/