FROZEN!

Frozen! Coire an Lochain

John & Helen summit celebrations Cairn Lochan

Lots of Rimed up crags and ground today

A few folk climbing in Coire an Lochain

Great day for axe and crampons

Loving the winter

Rime ice

More rime, Cairn Lochan

Cairngorm plateau looking more like winter

Winter is back

Another 24 hour period and another sharp change in conditions. From a very wet and soggy and warm day yesterday to a frozen landscape and dry day today. Helen and John were out with me in The Cairngorms for a day of walking. They had never walked on winter mountains in their life. They both enjoy many outdoor pursuits including 24 hour cycling events, train running, triathlon, squash and golf! Fitness was never going to be an issue for them today. They took to the axe and crampons quickly and we were soon on some great neve out of Coire an Lochain. With summit temperatures of  minus 6 and a 30mph cold wind it was a real wintry feel and such a welcome change from yesterday. We never got any views on the plateau but it was absolutely stunning with rime ice all over the place. Despite the mini heatwave yesterday, the Cairngorm plateau was looking quite white and frozen ground meant the crampons were on for most of the day. Another sub zero temperature day in store tomorrow  with sunny, blue skies . Yes Please!