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| Coire Gharbhlach above Glen Feshie |
The Winter season always dictates what we do and where we venture. This is even more so in the Cairngorms. Average winds speeds in excess of 80mph on the summits is not unusual, indeed they can be a regular occurance.
Isobel and Tom had booked a 2 day winter backpacking trip back in October. An idyllic walk up to the Cairngorm plateau in a wonderful covering of snow, pitching the tent under a clear sky with crisp temperatures and no wind may well have been the images imagined. On Friday and into Saturday the reality was very different! A forecast of over 90mph on the summits with limited snow cover was the reality!
Plan B was in order. A low level camp and then seeing what was achievable in the afternoon. We headed to the beautiful Glenfeshie. After pitching the tent we headed up to the Munro summit of Mullach Clach a Bhlair.
On the summit it was only around 30mph winds. The couples first Munro. We meandered down and back at the tents just before dark.
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| Coire Gharbhlach |
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| Mullach Clach a Bhlair |
It was a breezy night/early morning but we were well sheltered in the beautiful forest. Since leaving civilisation the weather forecast had changed somewhat. Storm Malik had brewed up. Apparently it was in excess of 100mph on Cairn Gorm summit. We slept in a sheltered area, safe from the storm. Its all about the planning.
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| Walking out |
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| Sunny skies mid afternoon |
We were back at the carpark in Achlean by midday so time for a wee afternoon stroll without the big bags up to see the beautiful Mountain Hares.
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| My friend inbetween the snow showers |
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| Clear skies at dusk |
Whilst we stood and watched my friend at his form, we were pelted with snow showers and a stiff wind. Snow! Do you remember that? It was marvellous to feel.winter back in your face. Meanwhile my beautiful Mountain Hare just sat and watched 3 people stood in thick winter clothing as the snow showers stung their faces, looking curious.
A top 2 days. I'm sure Isobel and Tom will be back. Hopefully with more snow.
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