Stunning day to Sgor Gaoith

[Fingal2018]

There are days you won't ever forget. My second ever walk involving a Munro, and I hadn't even planned it that way. Having just arrived in Scotland, and having been up Cairn Gorm and around its fantastic Northern Corries the day before (report to follow), I wanted to take it easy. But the weather forecast and the view outside the window were just too good, so I knew exactly which walk to pick in that weather - Sgor Gaoith

The first bit ascending from Glen Feshie was nothing short of delightful, I was almost too busy being stunned and looking around me that I forgot the walking.

Looking back to Glen Feshie

For some reason, I decided to do the walk clockwise, digging my teeth...um...feet into the steep slope of Geal Charn to get the bulk of the climbing out of the way. It was reasonably steep for someone new to the Highlands, and my fitness wasn't yet at Highland levels, but still even the climb was very enjoyable as - yes I'll admit it - the heather made for such comfortable rest with stunning views across Strathspey that I took it really easy.

Looking down while climbing Geal Charn

Once on the plateau, it was impressive how much wind there still was on such a calm day, but I merrily went past the cairn and onto Meall Buidhe's two summits (hoping I'm attributing these correctly) and into the final climb up to Sgor Gaoith's ridge.

Again, I had read how nice the views could be, but reality once again took my breath away.

Loch Eanaich from Sgor Gaoith

Looking across towards Carn na Criche

The composition of clouds and patches of snow dotted across the landscape made for an experience that probably cannot be matched anywhere but in Scotland.

Happy walker :)

I literally didn't want to leave the summit, basking in the sun. My lovely summit companion, who is lucky enough to live nearby with an equally lucky four-legged hillwalker, unfortunately had to leave earlier than he would have liked to - great to meet you and thanks for the good wishes

Eventually, I did leave and go back down, but I think I never took my time as much as I did that day - it was simply perfect and I enjoyed every patch of snow, every rock, every shrub of heather, every bird and every puddle

Go raibh maith agat Sgor Gaoith

[rockhopper]

Cracking day for it right enough and congratuations on #1 on Cairn Gorm- cheers