The weather report for Tuesday was for 30 to 35 mph winds [at 3,000 ft] and clear tops in the morning, staying clear and winds easing in the afternoon. I made an early start, driving down from Newtonmore through Blair Athol to the car park by Loch Moraig by about 6.15am. It had been warm on Monday and there was evidence of snow melt! the loch normally drains through two 12 inch pipes but these could not keep up. About 30 metres of tarmac were underwater. That convinced me to reverse my planned route. The route up onto Carn Liath is boggy and wet at the best and would be very wet this morning.
So, as the sun slowly rose over the hills to my right, I made good progress down the track then along the path which skirts the south east slopes of Carn Liath and Beinn Bheag. Although I was hurrying along, not wanting to be on the ridge after dark, I paused to take pictures of the sunrise. Underfoot conditions were wet and I was hoping the snow conditions higher up would be easier to walk on. I had definitely chosen the better route around this beautiful ridge.
As the path bent to the north to enter the steep-sided valley under Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain I I went down to cross the stream and follow the SW ridge of Airgiod. Scottish streams after a thaw are interesting aren't they? Especially when you want to be on the other side.
I made very hard work of the first 500 feet or so as I swapped snow for heather several times. I was sure that higher up where the snow had been subjected to lower temperatures and higher winds I would find harder snow or even neve. For now I was struggling with the heather or knee-deep steps in snow. It was a relief therefore to stop occasionally, to view the surrounding hills in their winter coats. I also noted a possible escape route for later in the day if needed.
Gradually the snow conditions improved and incline lessened so it should have been easier! the north wind was on my left shoulder and above 2,500 feet was strong enough to make me walk off the ridge to the SE in the lea of it. As I topped out on Airgiod the views were stunning but it was too cold to hang about too long.
The snow on top had been scoured and frozen into a crunchy neve and I was able to stride across the bealach and Gabhar's three tops very quickly and easily. Returning back across the bealach and down WNW to the lower bealach was almost as easy but the wind was not easing but on my right shoulder. I did not find too many spots where I could stop and rest or eat without getting uncomfortably cold. It reminded me of a half-day retreat from 17,000 camp on Denali going down to 14,000 with my mate Mike Greenhalf. There was no shelter from the storm that day either.
The belt pockets of my sac are provisioned with hill food and drink so I don't have to stop but if we trudge along all day without stopping, why are we there?
The rest of the day went well and I did not need to escape the ridge, The final walk down the road back to the car with the sun in my eyes would have been more pleasant if I had not had to cross no fewr than five rivers to regain the road! some of these more than knee deep for me. I had chosen the better way round!