Unpronouncable loch Etchachan camp

[kathleenebowie]

Another epic overnighter in the Cairngorm! Monday morning drove up to Linn of Dee with D And C, stopping for a sausage roll at Tea at the Shee. Left Linn of Dee after 11 laden down with tents etc. Mist was down on the mountains as we headed up past Derry Lodge up towards the Lairig an Lui, heading for Hutchie memorial hut. The midges were out in force and as soon as we stopped for lunch they descended. Then it became apparent that I was the only one with a midge net and none of us had midges repellent! So we had to eat while walking. Eventually as we started to climb up the Corry to the hut the midges were left behind. We stopped in the hut for a cuppa. One guy was already there and planning to stay the night. After that we headed up to the Loch to find a camping spot.

The loch was visible in the mist but only just with the summit's well hidden. We wandered around looking for a suitable spot to pitch the tents, at one point scaring a mummy ptarmigan away from her flightless chick. After finding a suitable flat spot not far from the Loch we pitched the tents and decided to wait to see if the cloud would lift. No joy with that ! In fact cloud got worse so All there was for it was to have an early dinner of dried Mac and cheese, custard with banana, and then settle in for the night.

The night was fairly uncomfortable and wee bit cold night . I woke after a couple of hours with the wind blowing the top of the tent loudly. I went out to check it was ok and was rewarded with a view of the milky way. A clear sky! Good sign for the next day surely. After a couple more hours sleep I was awake again and it was light. And a good day!

Porridge eaten we were off up Beinn Mheadoin at 8 and at the summit by 9 - the earliest yet! Good views of Cairgorm from the granite tors on top. Claim was in his element climbing up those. Back down to pack up the tents.

Then off to Derry Cairngorm - tougher going with the packs on but we ditched them as we left the main track - we would pick them up on the way back. Clouds descended as we nearer the summit so not much of a view. Returning to the bags the rain started. Waterproofs on we headed off the find the main track up Ben Macdui, rain trying it's best to soak us. And succeeding in places. Decided to head for Ben Macdui, knowing there were shelters there of a sort where we could have lunch. Found what looked like a half built stone house complete with chimney and sheltered there for a lunch of cous cous. The rain calmed down but still couldn't see a thing. D And C ran off up to find the summit which turned out to be a minute away. Then off to find the route to Carn A Mhaim.

KeepiKeeping to the west we climbed down a boulder field and picked up the path to Carn A Mhaim. The mist was now clearing and we could see across the Lairig Ghru to Devil's point and then the ridge in front of us. Not a huge climb to the top but blustery and didn't stop for long here. Keen now to get down out of the mist we carried down towards Luibeg bridge and finally the sun came out. Great path here so the going was good.

Once down at the river we stopped for snacks and decided it was warm enough for a dip so it was on with the costume. Very refreshing! No-one else about but got going again before the midges descended. I had phoned mum from higher up and given an eta of 7.30 and she promised us chicken curry. But with the river stop and long but beautiful walk back along to Linn of Dee it was 7 before we reached the car. Great trip though but v v tired.