free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
I had a weeks holiday, 9 whole days away from work and had decided that the tent must be released from the wardrobe where it is kept. The destination was the cairngorms from the linn of Dee as i had a few loose ends to tie up there. Last year my brother and i had walked to Corrour bothy via Carn a Mhaim, camped there with the intention of doing the three munros next to the bothy in the morning. Bad weather the next morning sunk those plans and we headed out.I was going to get the Devils point, Cairn Toul and Sgor an Lochain Uaine this time if it killed me. I took my camping gear but hadn't made up my mind if i'd use it or just walk out the same day.
I'd see how i felt after the Munros.
It's a great walk in but i couldn't help being envious of all the folk zooming by on bikes. Still i made Derry lodge in 50 mins where a good number of tents were pitched.
Me walking in.
The first bridge and a view to the walk ahead.
At grid ref NO 015938 You come to a wee fenced off bit where the trees etc have been allowed to regenerate and you must cross the Luibeg burn. I went for the stepping stones instead of the bridge which is a short walk away. Nae wet feet at all.
Trees
Where i crossed.
After the trees i passed around the Southern end of Carn a Mhaim and soon the devils point came into view. A spectacular looking mountain regardless of its higher neighbours.
DP
My target, Corrour bothy which i made in just under 2hrs 30 mins.
I set the tent up as there was no way i was carrying camping gear up the hills, it could be packed again if i walked out. Into the bothy and got the grub on. Lunch today was a Mug Shot, coffee and biscuits. Soon i was joined by 4 people who were training for the 4 peaks and were planning on doing 3 munros and then heading out. Next were 4 German speaking guys who were doing the 3 munros and staying in tents for the night.
Lunch
German guys by their tents.
My wee tent, a red laser competition. Hotel Terra Nova.
After the food i headed up for my first Munro of the day- Devils point. Ahead of me was the 4 peaks team and 3 guys on a day trip, behind were the Germans.
Initial climb
Looking back to Corrour
At the bealach i dropped my rucksack and continued with just a windshirt and camera. The summit is soon reached and the views were good.
4 peaks team
I descended and collected my pack. Met this wee fellow.
Next was the climb up to the 1213m top and i made the mistake of taking the route up the boulder field and not the easier track to the west. I was drained by the time i got to the cairn. The 4 peaks team were right behind me and decided to crack on as they were short of time.
Me by the cairn
Views to cairn Toul
Distant Sgor Gaoith
After a Mars bar i headed around and up the boulder field to The Cairn on Cairn Toul stopping only to chat with an English couple about the joys of boulders.
The way up
The cairn.
I had a wee stop in the Summit shelter and saw the 4 peaks team having a wee discussion, seems they were struggling for time and had decided to call it a day.
Nice views again
Ben Macdui summit zoomed.
Down another boulder field and on toward Sgor an Lochain Uaine. The high lochain is a wonderful sight, i wonder how tricky it would be to get to it?
Sgor an Lochain Uaine
Back to Cairn Toul.
I was on the summit in no time and again great views toward Braeriach and its tops
The Germans had just made it to the 1213m top and were a man down.
A happy chappy
I descended and traversed around Cairn Toul. Over the 1213m top and down the easier grassy path toward the bealach before the Devils Point.
Bealach
A short drop and i was at the bothy again. Dinner was 2 mug shots and more coffee and biscuits. I really must look into more interesting grub.
God i look fat, it's the way im slouching in the seat......honest
I was a bit tired and decided to stay the night.
The Germans arrived and i went into my tent. I must learn another language.
Tent life.
I find it hard to sleep even on a neo air as i have a bad back but i must have got a few hours in. My pipedream 400 bag was too warm and my poundshop inflatable pillow had a leak, oh the joys.
I woke up at around 5.30 and ventured out. There was a slight dusting of snow higher up, must have been cold.
Spotted the Devils reindeer.
I had some coffee in the bothy and decided to pack and walk out.
Ta ta!
A good overnighter and a place i'll be returning to at some point.
Hope this didn't bore you to tears, it's my first report for Walk Highlands.
Garry.
