CRAMPONS ESSENTIAL

Fabulous firm snowpack

A frosty morning in Aviemore.  Low overnight temperatures on the mountains had consolidated the snowpack even more today. The SAIS forecast was LOW throughout the Northern Cairngorms.  Great walking conditions for Jenny and Iain on day 2.

Sunny morning 

We set off under blue skies and sunny spells. Light winds. All good. Some great cramponing conditions throughout the day, indeed you would find it difficult getting across most areas on the Cairngorm plateau without crampons.

Thick water ice on the plateau 

Cloud came over by mid day and the winds increasing as we made our way to Cairn Gorm summit. Much quieter today. Not so many folk out climbing.

Fiacaill Ridge

Cairn Gorm is Jenny and Iain's first Munro, only 281 to go.

Approaching Cairn Gorm

A wind scoured summit

After our summit success we descended into Ciste Mheared where we found some shelter. This is a well known spot for snow holing. We dug a quick snow shelter in 20 minutes.

Poor visibility in the afternoon 

Digging

Not long

20 minutes later

Before heading back to the  Coire Cas carpark we had some sliding, or axe arresting on the slopes in Ciste Mheared.

Heading out of the Ciste we were blasted by the wind and heavy snow drifting. The winds had certainly increased in the time we were digging and sliding. Poor visibility all the way down a windy Windy Ridge. Very apt. Another top day.

Top of Jacobs Ladder

Top of Aladdins Couloir 

Coire an t-sneachda and Cairn Gorm