SUNSHINE TO SNOW IN ONE DAY

Cloud bubbling over the Fiacaill Buttress

How quickly weather changes

Clouds rolling in from the SW

Strath Nethy

Plenty of skiing available

Steep & deep in Ciste Mheard

The only sign of ptarmigan today

Last of the sun on the Fiacaill Ridge

A fine, crisp morning in Starthspey with the Cairngorms clear. Lighter winds than yesterday and a beautiful morning. Just as the weather forecasts indicated, a marked change by mid day. The cloud rolled in from the Southwest and then the views were gone! I set out to photograph the ptarmigan. None seen today on Windy Ridge and Ciste Mheard. So disappointing that these wonderful birds are in very low numbers this year. There is already a deep and steep snow build up in the Ciste. With this fine start to the winter season the snow cover is fab. By mid day there was some light snowfall and the winds picked up again. Poor visibility on the way down with plenty of falling and blowing snow. If you're heading out on the high tops make sure your navigation is up to scratch Some challenging navigation across the plateaus next few days and beyond. The snow was falling to Aviemore level by mid afternoon.
A busy few days of work coming up from tomorrow. Love it when folk get fired up with all this wonderful early season snow conditions. Staying well below freezing on the tops again tomorrow.

Rime again

Snowing in Aviemore