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Following a wonderful week on Harris it was, as always with the Hebrides, a wrench to leave. Fortunately we didn’t have as long a journey as we did to get here with our next destination being Tomintoul.
Parting is such sweet sorrow by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
After enjoying some great weather in the last week things had to even out and our first day, Sunday was a total washout.
The forecast for Monday and Tuesday was very similar, a bright sunny morning followed by afternoon downpours so I decided to use our mornings to bag a couple of wee Ronnies (Corbetts).
On the Monday we took the short drive north to Glenn Rinnes to climb the eponymous hill that dominates the local landscape. This is as simple a walk was you could wish for with a broad track heading straight up the hill that becomes a broad path all the way to the summit. The weather forecast was holding up OK and it was a beautiful morning.
Starting out by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Long and winding road by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Early heather on the way up by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The walk may be simple but the views are very fine indeed and with the going being so easy you get plenty of chance to enjoy them. The best thing about Ben Rinnes is its fine rocky summit giving superb views in all directions.
Ben Rinnes by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Looking West by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Dilapidated Trig Point by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace and Hughie on the summit by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Ben Rinnes Summit by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Family summit shot by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Summit Views by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
We had an early lunch on the summit tors moving far enough away from the wasps that had made their home close to the disintegrating trig point. As we headed down we could see the cloud massing over the main Cairngorm plateau and the bright sunshine was gone by the time we reached the car.
Patchwork fields by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Beyond the tor by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Heading down by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Meikle Conval and Little Conval by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Our decision to keep it short and sweet was confirmed as heavy showers arrived on cue at Tomintoul with the sky towards Glenn Rinnes looking very black indeed.
Tuesday morning saw us heading south towards Glen More for another smaller hill in the shape of Meall a Bhuachaille. We parked at the Glen More visitor centre and headed up the well-made path through the forest.
Through the trees by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Soon enough as height is gained a wonderful view of the Cairngorms and Loch Morlich opens up.
Cairngorms Panorama by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (click on pic for bigger version)
The promised showers were starting to show themselves as we reached the summit with some heavy rain passing to the east behind Bynack More and increasing cloud over the main bulk of mountains with Sgor Gaoith in particular getting a soaking.
Stormy behind Bynack More by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Rain over Sgor Gaoith by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace and Hughie by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Creagan Gorm by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
We had lunch in the substantial summit shelter which was needed as the breeze was getting up a bit. We had the occasional look behind us to check the weather as we ate but it stayed fine.
The scenery on the way down the East of the hill was just as nice with the Turquoise An Lochan Uaine glittering below.
Looking across Glen More by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
As with the ascent the path on this side is superbly made allowing you to enjoy the views to the full.
Path through the Heather by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Heading Down by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
By the time we reached An Lochan Uaine it had clouded over but we still paused for a while to enjoy this beautiful little body of water. It’s a pity it wasn't still sunny but the colour of the water was still very striking.
An Lochain Uaine by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
From here it was an easy stroll back to the Glen More visitor centre and a cup of coffee and cake.
Our walk turned out to be timed to perfection as the rain started just as we pulled away in the car.