The Central Cairngorms

[RussellR]

First day out for a while, arriving at the Linn of Dee car park just before 9, we thought that half the country must be in the cairngorms judging by the amount of cars in the car park, and almost everyone with a bike! We were not alone then.
The nice easy cycle into Derry Lodge turned into a mad rush as I got a short distance in when I realised I had no camera and no bike lock. Nothing for it than race back to the car whilst E had a nice leisurely cycle up teh Glen.
Arriving a few minutes behind her with sweat lashing off me we found about the only spare bit of wall not occupied by all the other bikes and set off up the delightful Glen Derry.

Glen Derry from Derry Lodge by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
Several campers seemed intent on hanging around outside their tents despite what was for us, midge hell!
we carried on up the path to near the end of the trees then struck up the hill on a feint path to Beinn Breac.

Above Glen Derry by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
Beinn Mheadhoin beyond the yellow moss by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
The descent to Corrie Etchachan by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
The Lairig an Loaigh by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
Summit Tor by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
Could not resist! by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
SAM_0438 by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
Loch Etchachan and Ben Macdui by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
Panoramam of Macdui by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
Cairn Toul and Lochan ulaine by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
Bike store by Munro Bagger, on Flickr
By the time we gt back to Derry Lodge, most of the bike were gone however a few campers remained.
The cycle out was a easy and satisfying finish to the day. On the way out passing many who were on the last stage of a hike through the Lairg Ghru