A non enjoyable ascent of Mullach Clach a Blair

[nickiec]

Never again! I was in the Upper Feshie doing some remote supervision of DofE groups and rather than retrace my steps decided that I would head up Mullach Clach a Blair Via its southern slopes and get some navigation practice in at the same time. I had spotted a track and thought I would use that as far as it went....not very far! So, my exact route to the summit is unclear as it was peat hag hell and a lot of zig zagging went on. The only benefit was the wind at my back pushing me along. Eventually I made it to the shoulder just west of the summit to be almost blown off my feet. I continued to the cairn, eagerly anticipating some shelter from the wind to find the cairn much reduced in size....I'm sure it was bigger on a previous vist! With a lack of shelter I headed, was blown to, for the track, passing one poor soul battling into the wind. Found a sheltered spot to have lunch...in a ditch by the track! It did the job then I headed across the plateau, intent on doing Sgor Gaoith. The I d was increasing in speed and I was struggling to stay on my feet...at least it was at my back. A decision had to be made....if I continued on to Sgor Gaoith there was a distinct possibility I might end up in Loch Einich as the wind was so strong. I decided to abandon the plan for another day, just as the wind whipped me off my feet. It was time to head down to Auchlean and rerun to the car park.