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I forgot i hadn't completed this older walk report so i figured i might as well now.
Thought i'd take advantage of a Monday off and take to the high ground. I'd set my mind on either the Glas Maol 4 or the Cairnwell 3.
Got up early with the intention of being done my early afternoon, but ended up setting off from my car about 13:30. Clear enough day, but i noticed the clouds were racing faster and faster the closer i got to Glenshee. First time i've been up that way, didn't realise there were so many ski runs. You don't really notice the chairlift set ups against the grassy slopes.
Passed a couple and their dog returning to the car park, and a guy ahead of me taking a horse up into the hills, but that was the only humans i saw all day. Bliss!
A boggy slog up Carn an Tuirc, glad i put the gaiters on. . One of those seemingly never ending climbs, i'm starting to think i need a few miles and a couple of thousand feet before i'm warmed up and can enjoy myself. As often happens, paused to play with a frog for a bit.
- Carn an Tuirc in the distance.
- peek-a-boo
Plenty of grouse and ptarmigan to be seen, but i wasn't quick enough with my camera.
By the time i got up to the rocky section of Cairn an Tuirc, i was fighting the wind. I'm not exactly a lightweight, but it was looking for an opportunity to knock me off my feet. Glad to make it to the summit cairn, at least now i'd got teh biggest ascent out of the way.
- Carn an Tuirc summit
The walk to Cairn of Claise was right in to the wind. I learned on this stretch of the walk that no matter how much you shout and growl at the wind it won't leave you alone.
- Cairn of Claise summit
The route up to the Glas Maol summit was teeming with hares. They were pretty quick to scarper when i got anywhere near them.
- Ponderous hare
- RUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!
Glad to reach the Glas Maol summit and get a bit of shelter at the cairn. Sat down for a roll and a coffee before taking in the views.
- Glas Maol summit
I'd said to myself i'd do Creag Leacach if i had the time, but with the late set-off i was concerned about daylight running out, so i cut back over Sron na Gaoithe to get back to the car and i'll bag that on it's on another day.