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When I lived in Yorkshire, parts of the journey to the Highlands was enjoyable, such as driving up the M6 past the west side of the Howgill Fells and always a joy once I could see the Highlands. However, other sections such as from Penrith to Gretna were a grind. Now, my journeys are much shorter and always a joy. I am always looking for a photo opportunity, such as here. I pulled over on the A939 between Grantown and Tomintoul to take a series of shots across the Braes of Abernethy which were then stitched using Photoshop.
I always consider ski developments to be an eye-sore, especially once the snow melts, but once heading south down the other side of the pass, there was a magnificent view of Lochnagar. The absence of snow on the nearer hills made Lochnagar seem all the more magnificent.
I initially went to park at Corgarff Castle but while eating my sandwiches in the car (saves carrying them and I could not rely on fine conditions or shelter on reaching the top) I saw a car parked across the River Don on the old road to Loinherry, so I moved the car closer to the hill.
I set off a little after 1100.
My edition of the SMC guide to The Corbetts And Other Scottish Hills refers to the farm at Loinherry as "uninhabited" but it looked in very good condition as did the converted barn on the other side of the track. Maybe holiday accommodation? A track leads up from Loinherry. At one point, I left the track and followed a faint path up past a line of grouse butts, rejoining the track further up. Higher up, mountain hares were seen, still in their winter coats. The track lead all the way to a small summit cairn.
The walk to the skiing paraphernalia on Beinn a' Chruinnich required crossing a small section of peat hag but the troughs were full of firm snow so my boots did not become heavy due to clinging peat. It was therefore a pleasant and quick one-mile walk.
Beinn a' Chruinnich gave particularly fine views of the corrie of Lochnagar.
There is a signpost to the other hills but only the sign for Ben Rinnes (spelt as a single word) was intact and there is also a memorial to the co-founders of the Lecht Ski Co. Carn Ealisaid is seen behind the memorial.
The walk back down to Cock Bridge passed more grouse butts and was both straightforward and pleasant. The route took approximately 3h 45mins including photo stops; less than my estimated time. Walking along hill tracks and the lack of snow made things easy-going.
Next stop: Glen Dye and Charr!
