Looking at the MWIS forecast and in dire need of some fresh air before heading back to work from the Christmas and New Year break, it was decided a low level (ish) route was the order of the day, with the forecast indicating the worst of the rain, snow and low cloud would be found west of the A9.

Getting togged up at the Clova hotel, the wife, myself and intrepid explorer Charlie set off for the Loch Brandy excursion, taking in Ben Tirran en route.

The good weather lasted about 15mins, just long enough to get away from civilisation, before the gloom descended all around us reducing visibility to about fek all!!

On we plodded up the slope getting further into the gloom and then the snow really started to come down, withing minutes there were three snow men of different sizes!! At least the clothing, garters, and gloves all worked. Stopping at Loch Brandy, we had our sandwich lunch, before the good lady and Charlie headed off back to the hotel and to get warm.

I carried on wanting test my navigational skills in such crap weather, thankfully my fathers old army compass didn't let me down, the hours spent trudging around with him certainly paid off!! There were signs of a few other hardy souls out, although I heard them I never actually saw anyone! Arriving at the cairn, I quickly took the obligatory picky and then scurried off down the hill back to the hotel and a well earned warm drink. By the time I'd got back the rest had eaten and were enjoying a game of pool!!