A long walk to Beinn Bhreac and Beinn a' Chaorainn

[drammy]

When - 30th Oct 2013
Munro's - Beinn Bhreac, Beinn a Chaorainn
Who - drammy. meagaidh
Time - 6hr 35mins
Weather - Better than forecast although wild and claggy high up!!

After a long drive to Glencoe at the weekend we were looking for somewhere closer to home for a wee midweek walk. I had been keeping this pair for a winter walk but needs must so we were off early to Linn of Dee to tackle Beinn Bhreac and Beinn a Chaorainn.
The joy of having an early start means the roads are empty, hardly seen anything until meeting the herd of deer blocking the approach road to the Linn of Dee. We were booted up and off for the long walk in to Derry lodge by 7am, no bikes this time!!!
The forecast had predicted that the morning would be fine and then slowly deteriorate...and indeed the day started off well.

DSC01288 by drammy1, on Flickr

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Last time we walked in this path it was covered in snow and ice and was a real drag...much better walking today!!

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Took just under an hour to reach Derry Lodge where we walked past the mountain rescue hut and took the path on the East side of the stream, passing by a few campers.

DSC01295 by drammy1, on Flickr

First objective of the day was to look out for the point on the path where we should turn off up hill. I was expecting a more obvious cairn but i suppose a few rocks and a stick is good enough!

DSC01296 by drammy1, on Flickr

Initial stages of the path were a tad boggy although this soon dried up as we gained height. Some nice views around but the cloud was beginning to lower.

DSC01297 by drammy1, on Flickr

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An easy stroll up to the summit, views now all but gone

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Its a long way over the Moine Bhealaidh to the next hill and so many reports suggest its nothing more than a boggy peaty mess. We found just the opposite. Staying more towards the east definately helped. The first couple of km's had a faint path which could be followed easily.

DSC01301 by drammy1, on Flickr

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The best thing about the Cairngorms is the wide open space and there was plenty of it about!!

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Once the path ran out it was essential to keep an eye on the map, easy to walk off target especially when the cloud comes down.

DSC01304 by drammy1, on Flickr

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The wind fair picked up as we reached the summit and it was pretty chilly, a quick summit photo then wrapped up for the descent into the wind!!

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Headed SW for around 1km, there were scatterings of a path but nothing substantial to be seen. If you walk this way in the clag...look out for a big rock...then just head West!!

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Its a steep descent but manageable...easier options further North.

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Once down onto the valley floor we were out of the cloud. It looked pretty good both North and South.

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The walk out may be long but the path is excellent and made for a speedy exit. No problem crossing over the Glas Allt Mor as there was minimal water running down from the hill.

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Passed by the impressive Coire an Lochan Uaine.

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Took quite a few photos on the walk out....Glen Derry is a very nice place indeed.

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At a junction on the path there is a couple of choices to take....we chose to head right over the metal bridge.

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We were going along at a steady pace and the feet were beginning to feel it....glad to see the lodge come into view!!

DSC01320 by drammy1, on Flickr

We nipped into Bob Scotts for a quick snack and a flick through the Bothy book....there has been a few good nights lately according to the book!!!!
All that was left now was the walk back to the linn of Dee. Unlike the forecast we had seen no rain all day however the clouds were building so it was a race back to the car...we made it just as a few drops began falling!!

It had been another long walk but very easy going terrain....another great day in the Cairngorms!!!

[MountainKaty]

Another great day in the Gorms! Still don't know what possessed me to start jogging on the route out!!!!

[Ian Bayne]

Doing this on saturday good report and photos which will help me on my way thanks