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Looking out of the window this morning it was difficult to believe MWIS about the clag lifting above the Munros. Because of this I headed down to Invermark with the thought that I would do the Loch Lee/Hunt Hill walk if the weather didn't look like clearing and Mount Keen if it did.
When I finished having a cuppa and feeding the chaffinches that haunt the car park I set off in the general direction of both walks..... it didn't look too promising
I didn't realise it would be so soon that I had to make the decision on which route to take
Yeah, I guess the title gave it away but I took the turn toward Mount Keen and in a short time followed the left turn toward the glen
My first glimpse of the glen has a tiny amount of blue sky which gave me confidence in my decision
It was great to see the glen open out in front of me and I strode out with some purpose, deciding to make a real attempt at neasmith (5hours 15 mins) for this walk
The first ford presented no problem which was unexpected, I though the snow melt would have swelled the waters
As I continued along the side of the river the sky became brighter and the cloud base rose to a very reasonable height
My first view of Queens Well, though I was more focused on the track beyond it leading up toward the target for the day
On arrival at the well it is more impressive and appears to fit very well into its surroundings
No time to admire the construction too long, with a target time to aim for it was onward to the ascending pathway
I'm soon climbing the steep pathway and stopping only for a quick snap of the glen below, seems I have company now (the small red dots on the path mid photo)
In no time at all I can just see the top of Mount Keen peering over the edge above, though I can really feel the pull up this long continuous drag looks like MWIS would be right and cloud free munros would be the order of the day
Looking back down the pathway there is no sign of the two walkers behind me but there is a long view down the glen
As I turn the sharp hairpin bend on the track there it is, so close I could almost touch it.....not too bad a walk this I thought
As I rise over the crest of the hill I'm left a little deflated to see how much further remains...some kind of optical illusion going on there....or wishful thinking maybe
After what seems like an endless drag toward the right turn that ultimately leads to the summit, I take a moment to look back and have to say, even with the low cloud it is a beautiful sight
Ah, almost there now, just up this little rise......
Two ptarmigan seem happy to stay quite close, they can probably tell I'm 'done for' and couldn't bother 'em if I wanted to
Almost there now, though it does seem to have been a hellish long drag, maybe setting a target time was not such a good idea
The summit trig point at last
I rested a little before I took this
The views were great with the cloud base just high enough - thanks MWIS
After a good 20 minute break on top, hot tea and snacks I'm refreshed and feeling good, the couple who were following arrived as I left and we exchanged pleasantries. It was a young couple and the first munro for the lady, I gave my congratulations and departed...now I know how I managed to stay in from of 'em
Looking back................... the road home
The low cloud continued to hang on the way back and I thought myself lucky that it had lifted sufficiently for a clear summit
Toward the bottom of the climb looking down the glen there is a suggestion that the sky may clear
By the time I reach the beautiful little cottage at the foot of the ascent there is a break in the cloud at last
Who wouldn't want to rent this place for a few days
I took advantage of the little table with benches outside the cottage and had a quick tea break before taking on the remaining couple of miles of flat easy going
In a short time the cottage and queens well is a long way behind
The clear path in the clouds has closed and the final mile is again under cloud
Almost there and confess I am happy to see the road out to the car park
Finally passing the small church and into the car park 5 hours and 5 minutes after setting off
I'm pleased to have proven to myself that I can meet neasmith if I need to but confess that this will likely be the first and last time I do, I felt like I had rushed to a point of being over tired on the ascent, and even though back at the car it never seems so bad I think I will stick with my steady plod approach in future.
Hope there aren't too many pics on this report, I'd rather tell the story in photos than words