BRAERIACH TRANSFORMED INTO WINTER

Braeriach's summit area with sizeable cornices

Looking down to the Lairig Ghru from Sron na Lairig ridge

Coire Bhrochain

Ben Macdui from the summit

Spindrift getting poured into Coire Bhrochain and cornices forming

Creag an Leth Choin ( Lurchers Crag) under moonlight at 5pm

Within a 24 hour period the Scottish hills have transformed from almost summer conditions and weather into full on winter. I was amazed how much snow had fallen overnight on my way up to Braeriach. With a snowline around 700m and cold, clear skies you know your in for a good day. It had obviously been windy too judging by the amount of snow on the crags and gullies, Lurchers Crag looked good. Along the plateau to the summit of Braeriach it was hard going with drifts up to shin level at times! The final 100m or so there was a definite bite in the wind, spindrift pouring into Coire Bhrochain and it was hard to believe that in such a small time period there are cornices formed. Lots of photos on the summit area and didn't start descending until after 3pm, with clear skies and almost a full moon it was a memorable descent. Next few days are staying cold and looks like more snow from Friday onwards so lets hope it stays! I've put a wee video below to give a feel of what conditions were like on the top!