free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Holidays are indeed what we look forward to for most of the working year. This one was booked later than normal, so had to arrange some walking hills for me and the Chaos Collies.
It had been some time since I had been on the round for Lochnagar, no views from the summit of most of the five- pretty dreich, but Cats,Dogs and Buckets on Cac Carn Beag.
Decided to have an early start, as the temp for the day was likely to reach just under 30deg later in the day, walked in that heat before and it is punishing, for humans, to say the least- but the dogs would struggle ! Up at 0330, organised ourselves- 2l of water for me, and 3l for the dogs- they would be able to drink their fill on the route down.
A couple of pics from the road in:
DSCN0158 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Arrived at the carpark at 0515, or so the ticket said
Readied up and off. Looked like it would be a fine walk today with a few more views that the time before. Some grunting going on from the deer in the mist, and the sun slowly rising on the route out.
Arran and Glen enjoying the cool air- for now !
DSCN0165 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Deer in the mist:
DSCN0171 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Zoomed:
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
A glow of gold in the air today as the sun pushed its way upwards from behind the hill. Yes you can photograph it, but it is not the same as watching it live !
DSCN0180 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Caught in the middle of the picture, then zoomed :
DSCN0184 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Across to the Lodge and followed the path through the stand of trees. The dogs sniffing the air, all sorts of wild life today- deer, rabbits and birds
The steady plod up the path, crossed the burn and onwards with an occasional look back at the glowing horizon.
DSCN0188 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
It was hot already, a stop for refreshment for the three of us, and the steady climb. Not pushing it hard today, just a leisurely amble towards, what is, a fine viewpoint. Turned off at the cairn and headed across the traverse path round Meikle Pap. A ptarmigan shot out with its 'wounded wing 'routine, only to be ignored by the dogs who were just sauntering at their own pace
About to hit the sunshine :
DSCN0193 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Mist filling in the gaps :
DSCN0194 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Another refreshment break, in view of the Corrie :
DSCN0197 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
In the other direction :
DSCN0200 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Meikle Pap :
DSCN0207 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Last stop before the cliffs :
DSCN0218 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Across the plateau and turning up towards the ridgeline. The heat was now building, and it was only 07:30, it was going to be Scorchio !!. At the cliffs there was slight breeze, which was enjoyed by all three
A stunning vista to behold.
DSCN0222 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Across to the best of viewpoints, and a better breeze
DSCN0255 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
We spent an age just staring out at the beauty surrounding us, sponging in the atmos'. I bloody love holidays like this, and so do the Chaos Collies- all this time with ME !!
We set off for the Glas Allt Glen route down, a stream to bathe our roasting heads in
A wee glimpse back from whence we came :
DSCN0264 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
It was now very warm, and little breeze to stave off the heat. But the boys just jumped in the burn to cool off.
DSCN0265 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
A fine route down, most enjoyable.
DSCN0266 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
It was a treat to reach the woods and some shade at last ! More refreshment and our troop back along Loch Muick.
DSCN0282 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Always time for another dip
DSCN0287 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0289 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
A warm walk back to the car park, broke out the Shemagh scarf- a great way to stay cool, some weird looks from the sunburned passers-bye though
A final couple of shots, some locals I had seen this morning
DSCN0291 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0292 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Back home in time to go for lunch.
Royal Deeside at it best, great weather and walking.
Cheers.