pole dance

[litljortindan]

Trying to both maximise my chances of decent weather and not take on anything too taxing led me to Beinn a' Chrulaiste.
I was a little put off when I saw how busy the car park was but a quick scan of the hillside beyond indicated relatively few bodies going up or down and I didn't really want to change plans having left a note at home to say this was where I was headed.
A pleasant start along the WHW gave way to a slippery, saturated and muddy beginning to the ascent. Five minutes in and I was clinging onto the one walking pole and made a decision to fall towards the grassy hillside rather than chancing a full coating of path, both my feet and the other pole having given way. The grass can't be too wet or cold, I thought. Yes it could!
Fortunately, I have recently finished reading a Tom Crean biography and thought of an episode recounted of one poor soul falling into icy water and having to "walk off" the effects due to there being no spare clothing available to change into. Thus inspired, I simply ignored my freezing backside and focused on avoiding a repeat slip.
Fortunately, I managed the rest of the walk upright and the forecast wind and wind chill were absent so thawing and drying took place fairly quickly.
Fine views.

DSC03235 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03252 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03284 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03290 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03317 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03318 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03331 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03338 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03339 by John Little, on Flickr
25 years since I was first at those twin peaks!

DSC03347 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03359 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03360 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03380 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03388 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03403 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03412 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03439 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03456 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03494 by John Little, on Flickr

DSC03506 by John Little, on Flickr

[Graeme D]

This is definitely a hill where it's all about location, location, location. The bog trot in from the back of the Kingshouse is worse than Paschendaele though!

[Alteknacker]

Some fantastic pics there. This is one I still have to do, but it's clearly worth it for the views.

[Stefan1]

Amazing views. Looks like a really nice walk!

[Cairngorm creeper]

Beautiful photos. Glad you dried out, sitting in mud is normally best saved for the descent

[litljortindan]

This is definitely a hill where it's all about location, location, location. The bog trot in from the back of the Kingshouse is worse than Paschendaele though!

Oh well sounds like I maybe at least got the drier side and yes, hills on the periphery of an area often seem to yield good views.

[litljortindan]

Some fantastic pics there. This is one I still have to do, but it's clearly worth it for the views.

Thanks. Even I found this easy though so maybe best saved for a half day, an over nighter or bring a book.

[litljortindan]

Amazing views. Looks like a really nice walk!

Yes, apart from the first and last half hours this was quite enjoyable. It isn't much more than a lump with a view though but a good view.

[litljortindan]

Beautiful photos. Glad you dried out, sitting in mud is normally best saved for the descent

Thanks! I did have my waterproof trousers to hand but they were mainly intended for countering any wind chill. If I can avoid putting them on I do as I find them slowing and restricting. Maybe should re-think that slightly.