Bongo makes it to Braemar-MacDui and Carn a'Mhaim Bike Hike
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 10:32 pm
Had been faced with the dilemma of how to fit in Carn a'Mhaim and Ben Macdui? Would have liked to have done Macdui via the northern corries, but looked a long day and the options from the south looked good too. Eventually decided on the Linn of Dee, up Sron Riach, to Macdui, back to Carn a'Mhaim, then out. Easy The northern corries will wait for another day.
As I headed north, things did not look good, due to the low cloud and smir. I did not fancy being on Macdui in anything other than decent vis. Still much low cloud, as I got on the bike at the Linn of Dee, but had to hope it would lift, as forecast had looked a good bit better. Cycled in to Derry Lodge, crossed the bridge and headed along Glen Luibeg. Able to cycle in to the edge of the forest at Luibeg Bridge, without much bother, before ditching the bike in the trees.
There is still a good path up the east side of the Luibeg Burn, before crossing onto the shoulder of Sron Riach. Now the climb really begins ..... and continues Fortunately, the mist was beginning to thin, offering the occasional glance into Coire Sputan Dearg and back down the glen. Stopped for some grub, then made for the small depression between Stob Coire Sputan Dearg and Macdui, which was stil enshrouded in fog when I got there. Not being too sure of my bearings, I stopped here 15/20 minutes, to let the cloud clear and then made my way to the top of the cliffs above Lochan Uaine. Surprised a wee fella who was making for the same spot, as I emerged from the fog. Poor chap had a less than comfortable night, sleeping in his cold, sweaty, bivvy bag. Sounds like the Bongo
After a wee bleather and few pics, made for the summit of Macdui, passing the Sapper's Hut, on the way. Nearly drifted by to the south, but mist cleared, revealing the large summit cairn, not far off. About this time, the other tops and more of Ben Macdui began to emerge, revealing more of the grandeur of the central Cairngorms. Fantastic!
After a few more photo's, headed back round to the top of the Allt Clach nan Taillear. The track soon petered out on a bewildering array of boulders, which wasn't much fun descending, many of the loose, or unstable. Seemed to take ages to get off these boulders and down to the bealach between Macdui and Carn a'Mhaim, though it is a fair descent! (I think one might be able to follow a better track, if heading up the way.)
Thereafter, headed south, up the ridge to Carn a'Mhaim, without any difficulties. Had look at various gullies, dropping down to the Lairig Ghru. Never saw any I would like to descend, though a few of my mates, must have dropped down one of these, into the glen, only a couple of months before. Thankfully, I didn't have to make such a choice
As I was on the summit, could hear, then see, a S&R chopper further up the Lairig Ghru, which appeared to be on a search. Eventually hovered over myself. Wasn't too sure whether to try to gesticulate that I was ok, or that I wasn't aware of any bother, so did no gesticulating at all
It was still a bit of a grey day, but took a few selfie's, etc, before descending SE, back down to the lovely pine forest at Luibeg Bridge. Spoke with a nice American couple, before jumping on the bike, making my way back out to the Linn, in just over 6 and three quarter hours, well satisfied with myself.
Later checked out the start point for a hike up Ben Avon and Beinn a'Bhuird, the next day, before parking Bongo in Braemar caravan site, for the night. Enjoyed a few pints before a good sleep and early rise to meet Big Jesper the next day, which as they say, is another story
As I headed north, things did not look good, due to the low cloud and smir. I did not fancy being on Macdui in anything other than decent vis. Still much low cloud, as I got on the bike at the Linn of Dee, but had to hope it would lift, as forecast had looked a good bit better. Cycled in to Derry Lodge, crossed the bridge and headed along Glen Luibeg. Able to cycle in to the edge of the forest at Luibeg Bridge, without much bother, before ditching the bike in the trees.
There is still a good path up the east side of the Luibeg Burn, before crossing onto the shoulder of Sron Riach. Now the climb really begins ..... and continues Fortunately, the mist was beginning to thin, offering the occasional glance into Coire Sputan Dearg and back down the glen. Stopped for some grub, then made for the small depression between Stob Coire Sputan Dearg and Macdui, which was stil enshrouded in fog when I got there. Not being too sure of my bearings, I stopped here 15/20 minutes, to let the cloud clear and then made my way to the top of the cliffs above Lochan Uaine. Surprised a wee fella who was making for the same spot, as I emerged from the fog. Poor chap had a less than comfortable night, sleeping in his cold, sweaty, bivvy bag. Sounds like the Bongo
After a wee bleather and few pics, made for the summit of Macdui, passing the Sapper's Hut, on the way. Nearly drifted by to the south, but mist cleared, revealing the large summit cairn, not far off. About this time, the other tops and more of Ben Macdui began to emerge, revealing more of the grandeur of the central Cairngorms. Fantastic!
After a few more photo's, headed back round to the top of the Allt Clach nan Taillear. The track soon petered out on a bewildering array of boulders, which wasn't much fun descending, many of the loose, or unstable. Seemed to take ages to get off these boulders and down to the bealach between Macdui and Carn a'Mhaim, though it is a fair descent! (I think one might be able to follow a better track, if heading up the way.)
Thereafter, headed south, up the ridge to Carn a'Mhaim, without any difficulties. Had look at various gullies, dropping down to the Lairig Ghru. Never saw any I would like to descend, though a few of my mates, must have dropped down one of these, into the glen, only a couple of months before. Thankfully, I didn't have to make such a choice
As I was on the summit, could hear, then see, a S&R chopper further up the Lairig Ghru, which appeared to be on a search. Eventually hovered over myself. Wasn't too sure whether to try to gesticulate that I was ok, or that I wasn't aware of any bother, so did no gesticulating at all
It was still a bit of a grey day, but took a few selfie's, etc, before descending SE, back down to the lovely pine forest at Luibeg Bridge. Spoke with a nice American couple, before jumping on the bike, making my way back out to the Linn, in just over 6 and three quarter hours, well satisfied with myself.
Later checked out the start point for a hike up Ben Avon and Beinn a'Bhuird, the next day, before parking Bongo in Braemar caravan site, for the night. Enjoyed a few pints before a good sleep and early rise to meet Big Jesper the next day, which as they say, is another story