free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Having had two consecutive 20 mile walks on Friday and Saturday my plan for this morning was to cut back on the mileage and just have an easy morning. After doing the same walks last weekend I went up to Corrie Fee on the Sunday morning and did an easy 6 miles so something similar would do today.
At Glen Doll car park for 7am, -1, the sun still hidden behind the hills so neck fleece and gloves on for the first part of the walk. Only two cars in the car park and both seem to have spent the night there so I will have the track to myself.
I took the track north towards Broad Cairn and my target for the day was the bridge up at Bachnagairn where I could stop for a sandwich and watch the waterfall for a few minutes.
Arriving at the board walk the sun still wasn't getting in to the glen so the wood was frozen and slippy - still surprises me they didn't put some wire meshing down when this was built.
It didn't take long to reach the bridge which crosses the river running through the glen (Burn of Gowal?) taking me from the east to the west bank.
The suns rays are now getting in to the glen and suddenly it feels quite warm as the gradual climb continues.
- Approaching Bachnagairn
Once I was in to the trees and getting close to the bridge I could see that someone was camping on the far bank close to the waterfall - looked like a great spot. Their dog had spotted me and was barking his head off.
I stopped at the bridge and had a chat with Mrs Camper - she was asking if I had any sun cream but I hadn't even thought about sticking any in the rucksack at this time of year - maybe next week though if this weather continues.
Now that I had reached my target there was no way I could just turn back as the morning was just stunning so I decided to do the climb and head over towards Broad Cairn and Loch Muick. As usual at this time of year there was a great big bank of snow covering the track so I took to the heather for a bit.
I suppose it was always going to happen but once I saw the top of Broad Cairn I was going to have to climb it so made a start on the lower slopes. There were a few patches of snow and in the main it was pretty soft and occasionally unpredictable as my feet would disappear a foot further down than expected. Tended to rock hop as much as possible as I could trust my footing far better than in the snow.
- Looking down on Loch Muick
- The last climb to the summit
- Loch Muick again
It's been about three years since I have been at the top of Broad Cairn, the last time I was more or less crawling the last few yards in a gale force wind and zero visibility - it was a bit different today.
- Broad Cairn summit
The views from the top were just brilliant, no haze and hardly a cloud in the sky.
A few minutes spent at the top taking everything in and it was time to head for home.
- Looking back
- Last look at Loch Muick
- Looking back again
I met the campers on the way down Broad Cairn, they were going to take in 3/4 Munros on their way to their car which was parked at Auchallater - their dog seemed happier with me now.
- Impressive lump of snow
There had been a gentle breeze on the top of Broad Cairn but now I was down a few hundred feet and sheltered it was time to get the long sleeves off and walk back to the car with just a short sleeved top - it's a great feeling after a long winter to feel some heat in the sun (I'll be moaning about the heat next week).
- The route home
- Looking back up the glen
In the cold of the morning heading up the glen I saw a couple of deer, on the way down there seemed to be frogs everywhere and I had to be careful where I was placing my feet anytime there was standing water on the track.
There were now a lot more people about and the track was quite busy all the way back to the car park.
Must admit, got a bit of a surprise when I got back to the car park, the main car park was full and the overflow was filling up fast. As some people have mentioned, the parking machines aren't working at the moment but they had a guy issuing tickets as there must be a lot of money to be made over the Easter break - he wasn't around at 7am though
).
All that was left was to go against the flow of traffic and get to the Clova Hotel before the road improved. Had to pull in to the verge numerous times so that all the pristine white 4x4's could keep to the tarmac and not get a speck of dirt on them
Still, nothing could spoil a brilliant morning and although unplanned it was good to do my 1st Munro of the year (albeit one that I've done six times before).