The Cairnwell

[matt8428]

Arriving at Glenshee to a fantasic sunny day and after parking at the Glenshee Cafe car park, I headed direct up towards Carn Aosda past the first Ski Cafe and taking the right hand track rather than following the main path where the tracks split between Carn Aosda and The Cairnwell. This takes you up a near enough direct route, stretching the legs and getting the heart rate going until you reach the top.

A quick breather and photo opportunity to take in the view of the Ski Centre below, the lake to the right and the Cairnwell directly in front. Heading off following the path down along the main track, I headed towards the Carn O'Gheoidh. Instead of taking the climb part way up The Cairnwell and then following the beaten path that leads off to th eright, I cut along the side of the hill keeping the lake on my right, gradually working my way up to meet the main path and to the crest of Carn nan Sac, going around this point rather than heading directly for the next feature. Getting a bearing of the next feature, The Coolah and then up the 50m climb to Carn O'Gheoida. A short rest for photos, watching the Hares and wildfowl and taking in the wonderful views of Carn Mor (Should be included in The Cairnwells Munros too, if it is, can someone let me know).

I then headed back along the main path to tackle the Cairnwell, again, heading for the single steeper tracks rather than the main tracks gives you a good climb and lets you take in the valley below until you reach the peak.

At a relatively steady pace, this is a good leg stretcher and gets the pulse rate going. Visibilty was excellent and the temperature was around 12 - 14c with a fresh wind. This is also a very sociable walk, at sometime along the route no matter where you start, you are bound to meet up again.