walkhighlands

Share your personal walking route experiences in Scotland, and comment on other peoples' reports.
Warning Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.

Cairngorm Via Fiacaill ridge and beyond.

Cairngorm Via Fiacaill ridge and beyond.


Postby davetherave » Tue Aug 18, 2015 8:44 pm

Munros included on this walk: Beinn a' Chaorainn (Cairngorms), Beinn Mheadhoin, Cairn Gorm, Derry Cairngorm

Date walked: 18/07/2015

Time taken: 16.5 hours

Distance: 39 km

Ascent: 2850m

Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).

Completed by. Dave, Julie, Wilson and Jake.
Date. Saturday and Sunday 18th 19th July 2015
Weather. Cold high winds and some sun.
Time. 9.5hrs and 7 hrs
Distance. 39 km
Ascent. 2850 m

Hills completed
Cairngorm, Derry Cairngorm Beinn Meadheoin and Beinn a Chraorainn.
2 ascents of Cairngorm.

our route.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts


We had planned a slightly different route if the conditions were in our favour. We decided on a later start on Saturday to try and avoid the forecasted high winds.
We did not fancy the Fiacaill ridge if it was too blustery... alas my timing once again was not the best. The wind at times was brutal, at times I was moving crab like along the top of the ridge adamant that I would crest the ridge all the way, I did my best but was beat on several parts. The bypass path was a better option for a few of the trickier parts. Soon all the difficulties were behind us and the summit of Cairngorm was within sight
Coire Raibert would be our route that would lead to Loch Avon and the bonnie views of Stacan Dubha and the beautiful looking shelter stone.
We climbed Beinn Meadheoin from Loch Etchachan and then on to Derry Cairngorm. Unfortunately we added 1km or so onto our route to Derry Cairngorm as we took the path for longer than we had anticipated. From DC summit we headed back to the saddle before dropping down to the Hutchison memorial Hut, following the burn as we went. The hut was very busy so we opted for the tent that night. It rained solid from 4am until 9pm, again we never got going until 11pm.
Beinn a Chraorainn would be next. We climbed this Munro from the Lairig an Laoigh then dropped off the North side and down to the fords of Avon Refuge, unfortunately we failed to cross the swollen burn at the stepping stones and gave in after several tries. We now headed for Loch Avon and the Saddle, this would be our access on to Cairngorm for our 2nd ascent of our trip, finally we headed down the tourist route to the main parking area and the comfort of the van.
1 (7).JPG

1 (9).JPG

1 (14).JPG

1 (15).JPG

1 (19).JPG

1 (21).JPG

1 (24).JPG

1 (29).JPG

1 (44).JPG

1 (56).JPG

1 (68).JPG

1 (70).JPG

1 (77).JPG

1 (83).JPG

1 (87).JPG

1 (94).JPG

1 (95).JPG



a
Attachments
1 (36).JPG
User avatar
davetherave
 
Posts: 717
Munros:220   Corbetts:88
Fionas:26   Donalds:5
Joined: Apr 25, 2009
Location: Brechin

Re: Cairngorm Via Fiacaill ridge and beyond.

Postby dooterbang » Tue Aug 25, 2015 5:25 pm

Nice to see the crew out and about, and getting wet! Is that a new friend for Wilson? Not done this ridge, but will one day :)

Cheers.
User avatar
dooterbang
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 1828
Munros:262   Corbetts:58
Fionas:18   Donalds:10
Sub 2000:10   Hewitts:18
Wainwrights:21   Islands:19
Joined: Oct 27, 2009
Location: Isle of Skye from Feb 2019 (Originally Glasgow)

Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).




Can you help support Walkhighlands?


Our forum is free from adverts - your generosity keeps it running.
Can you help support Walkhighlands and this community by donating by direct debit?



Return to Walk reports - Scotland

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 15 guests