Walkhighlands

This was my first time using a bike to get into the hills. Actually, this was my first time on a bike for many, many years, but as they say, its like riding a bike

A last minute light bulb moment the night before, had me digging out my sons old bike from the shed, a quick visit to Halfords for a bicycle pump and wd40, some adjustments to the saddle and handle bar heights as best I could - to make a bike that was too small for me into something a bit less uncomfortable .... and I was good to go!

Although not an ideal set of wheels, it was great fun and really made a big difference to the route in and out. I've now added a mountain bike to my shopping/wish list of outdoor gear.

I used the WH route and left the bike at the ruins of Altanour Lodge and followed the stalkers path along the grouse butts, between the Altan Odhar and the AltClach Geala. After leaving the butts behind there is still a faint trail to follow which heads straight for the summit.

It didn't take long to reach the summit and the views across to the Gorms opened up to the north and to the west Beinn a'Ghlo was looking stunning.

I was now faced with a decision. I had planned on the circular route over to Beinn Iutharn Mhor and had been eyeing its north face and the ascent route up. I knew it was a steep ascent with some boulders and scree, but today its north face was also in full winter conditions. My problem was, distracted with all my last minute preparations for the bike, I hadn't brought any winter gear. I knew I could have had a crack at it, get to the summit of Iutharn Mhor and wonder what the fuss had been, but I just didn't comfortable without (at least) my axe.

With the decision made, today was to be a single summit bagging trip and retraced my steps from the top of Carn Bhac, down to Altanour and my bike ride back to the car. Even on the walk down I was already planning my next trip here and a route to Iutharn Mhor. So many options, but I'll be back

The track down Glen Ey


The morning mist clearing around a lonely tree


Beinn Iutharn Mhor fills the view down the glen


Looking back up the flat base of Glen Ey


Deer on the flanks of Creag an Lochain


An Socach


Beinn a'Ghlo


Carn Bhac summit looking towards the Cairngorms


Cairngorms. Devils point prominent left of centre with the Lairig Ghru through the middle


Beinn a'Ghlo from the summit of Carn Bhac


Summit views


More summit views


Beinn Iutharn Mhor and Carn an Righ

Thanks for posting! I’ve got this hill coming up soon and if I can hire a bike in Braemar I too will cycle in. Amazing how much snow there still is on the hills and what extensive views you had!
Hopefully next time you visit the area it will be on your own customised bike.