Deep snow on Carn na h-Easgainn

[Jaxter]

It had been a fairly disappointing holiday due to a combination of lockdown but more my complete exhaustion and inability to get off the sofa. But there had been a big dump of snow and we really needed to get out of the house....it was a short and easy drive along the A9 but as soon as we turned off we were into deep snow!


Fortunately Malky's winter tyres were up to it, and we were on our way, crunching through the snow. It looked beautiful on all the trees


We followed the road towards the houses at Lynebeg


As we climbed up towards the farm at Lynemore, we passed some tightrope walking chickens




The mist was lying in the glen, but we could see the mountain ahead appearing out of the cloud


The snow was starting to sparkle as sun broke through the clouds in places.


There were other people ahead of us as we plodded through the snow – despite being relatively well-trodden it was hard work!


We crossed the burn easily


The first section from the burn crossing is the steepest and it felt like it was going on forever. My breathing was all over the place and I was exhausted.


Looking back we could see things coming in and out of the cloud


The track was easy enough to walk on, but now we had gained a bit of height we could see deep snow everywhere else


Now we were a little higher the track had filled in and we were very glad of the people who had been up over the few days before for creating a path through!


We could see the sun starting to come through as we made our way across the flat section before the final climb


Ahead


We could see the blue sky ahead


We were passed by a big group with lots of kids and sledges coming down, and just before the summit we could see where they’d been spending the day


Summit ahoy




The snow looked amazing – it felt awesome to be out in it


We were finally at the summit


The peat hags at the summit were completely filled in with snow


The cloud was hadn’t quite cleared but the wind was virtually nothing and it was nice to stand around and enjoy being outside. Malky had carried up a flask of tea which we were able to enjoy. As the sky got a bit brighter, we could see a fog bow (which wouldn’t fit into one photo )


And a faint brocken spectre


Another person arrived so we decided we should head back down – I was going pretty slowly so it would take me a while to get back


We had a wee look at the igloos and snow holes that the kids had made – a little small for an adult, but I just managed to squeeze through


The cloud did clear as we came down and we could see across to Carn nan Tri-tighearnan (which would have been even more of a nightmare in the snow than when we were there )


Looking back


The paper mill out past the airport


Beinn Dearg peeking through the cloud


As we dropped back down we were heading back into the cloud


By the time we were back into the trees the evening was getting on


The sky was pretty as the sun set behind us. I was dragging my feet by the time we reached the road and fortunately I didn’t have to drive


It was a lot of fun to get out but definitely paid for it later

[Alteknacker]

Looks wonderful. Am really jealous

But on the positive side, I get my first jab next Friday!!!

[Jaxter]

Looks wonderful. Am really jealous

But on the positive side, I get my first jab next Friday!!!

It felt so good to be out in the snow, even if I was practically dying Good luck with the jab - that's great news

[hjbworton]

Terrific report as usual - I love to read em, instructive and inspirational.

Just read your article about Long COVID - Think it’s important folk understand that it’s a real thing and pretty darn scary in its own right. Considering everything it’s positive that you can get out at all..and I’m sure science will find a treatment for it soon.

Anyway, just wanted to post a message of support - and I’m thinking that folk who are frustrated at not being able to get into the hills due to the current restrictions will maybe take it as a warning to be even more careful to not catch COVID ? If you can be struck down with it then anyone can.

All the best