Sole-Destrying Stroll in Glen Shee

[jupe1407]

Saturday's forecast looked decent in the morning and poor in the afternoon, so i ditched plans to spend a day on the Lochnagar circuit and instead headed up to Glen Shee to do Carn an'Tuirc and Cairn of Claise. I arrived at the wee car park just north of the ski centre at about 7am, and set off pretty much straightaway, over the stone bridge.

The path was unsurprisingly boggy after a lot of rain the previous night, but pretty easily followed up to the old shielings, whereupon is disintegrates into a boggy mess. However at this point it's really just a case of heading straight up the hill. At this point i discovered by boots were gubbed. The sole had split and they were no longer waterproof. This is uncool in a bogfest. The situation was barely salvaged by Sealskinz socks.

Carn an Tuirc

Back to the pass

I started to regret having a large meal and a few vodkas the night before as the steep trudge up the slopes of Carn an Tuirc became hard going in wet shoes, with little grip. Finally, after reaching the rocky upper slopes and a cooling breeze, things became more enjoyable.

The final approach

Before long the summit cairn was reached on the large rocky plateau. Views were pleasant towards the high cairngorms.

From Carn an Tuirc summit

I had a quick bite to eat, and decided to have a wander around the plateau. It was a cracking day now, with a bit of sunshine and cooling breeze. I had a look at Coire Kander.

Loch Kander

Then headed across towards the boundary wall leading to the next munro, Cairn of Claise. I also had numerous mud-up-to-the-knees incidents on the way. Anyway, Cairn of Claise's summit cairn was soon reached. Not complaining incidentally, but i can't believe it's a munro in it's own right.

Cairn of Claise

I enjoyed the views from this hill in all directions. It had turned into a very fine day.

Cairngorms from Cairn of Claise

Caenlochan Glen

I set off in the direction of Glas Maol. I strongly considered adding Glas Maol and Creag Leacach, but having done both before, and frankly not being keen on the trudge back up the A93, i headed for Sron Na Gaoithe.

Carn an Tuirc & Cairn of Claise

Sron Na Gaoithe

I spent a very enjoyable lazing about on the summit in the sunshine, again with fine views.

Glen Shee towards Braemar

Clearly the day wouldn't be complete without a tedious decent on wet, tussocky grass, and a couple of minor falls. Cracking wee trip though

[laconic surf]

Looks like a decent day above your head if not below your feet. I think most of us have been there thinking "i shouldn't have had those drinks last night" - I now have a self imposed booze ban if i'm walking the next day - except on WH meets where it's compulsory
I did these in snow/whiteout and it's amazing to look at your photos and recognise absolutely nothing

[jupe1407]

Looks like a decent day above your head if not below your feet. I think most of us have been there thinking "i shouldn't have had those drinks last night" - I now have a self imposed booze ban if i'm walking the next day - except on WH meets where it's compulsory
I did these in snow/whiteout and it's amazing to look at your photos and recognise absolutely nothing

Aye, I've read your report on them as a spot of research

But yeah, drinking before hills - not cool.

[trederdog 100]

I've just done these hills and bolted on Glas Maol descending via Sron na Gaoithe. I couldn't believe Cairn of Claise being a Munro either! Its higher than Carn an Tuirc yet really does seem like an undulation in the plateau. You'd think Carn an Tuirc would be just a top as the descent, re-ascent is small. Even though it is the more interesting of the two. Mind you I couldn't see anything - just the thick clag.