The Cairnwell three

[Physicistinboots]

Fabled as the dullest and least attractive of all Munros, the Cairnwell three were not our first choice for this day trip to the hills. However in view of the terrible weather forecast for the West coast we decided to save our original plan of Ben Lomond for a day when we had a decent chance of a view.

Ready for the off

We were expecting a fairly easy walk and this is what we got. A high level start from the Glenshee ski centre allowed us to reach the first summit, Carn Aosda, within 40 minutes even moving at a fairly leisurely pace .

Not far to go

Carn Aosda

The next Munro, Carn a' Gheoidh, was the best of the day. The cloud was low over the hills so not much of a view but we caught glimpses of some small lochs and spotted a couple of hares and a whole flock of ptarmigan. A rough path and following the compass lead us to the summit without too much trouble.

Carn a' Gheoidh

For the last hill, the eponymous Cairnwell, we retraced most of our route back towards Carn Aosda. Then cut off over a minor summit and past another couple of ski pulls. A short uphill stint lead us to the summit, which is somewhat reminiscent of a prison camp. The low cloud added to the gloomy effect, so after the obligatory summit photo and celebratory wee drink (Dutch gin this time) we headed back down.

The Cairnwell - my camera objected to the cloud

The descent proved to be the trickiest part of the walk. We chose to follow the ski tow down a fairly steep, damp slope. However we all made it back to the car park, muddy but with limbs intact. A photo with the celebrated Wainwright and his wife then back off home to eat cake, drink whisky and watch Withnail and I .

A view!

Posing with the Wainwrights

[ken reid]

well dune all but I'm not sure abought the choice of footware tut tut I ffound these hils were best suted to a winter traverse and the outher way round from yourselfs