Monday 13 June 2022

BRAERIACH PLATEAU TRAVERSE

 

Wild camping in the Lairig Ghru 

John was out with me for an 2 day trip in the Cairngorms to traverse the Braeriach plateau . Initially he was keen to walk all the Cairngorm 4000ft mountains. Unfortunately the weather forecasts were not looking conjucive, high winds the big factor. So we decided on omitting Cairn Gorm & Ben Macdui on day one and instead had a liesurley walk into the Lairig Ghru on the Sunday. It was a blustery day with only the odd shower. No chance of midges! A pleasant walk into this famous pass which disects the Central and Western Cairngorm plateau. The tops were clear in the afternoon. We even had some sun. Good to get the tents up in the dry.

Sunshine!

The Lairig Ghru 

Quiet

Tent erecting in the wind

It was quite windy through the early part of the evening.  Definitely no midge problems! I never camp near or close to Corrour Bothy. Probably the second busiest Bothy in Scotland.  Its puzzling why so may folk choose to camp right outside this remote shelter when there are so many choices to camp wild in the Lairig Ghru. 

Braeriach from our campsite

My view

Bod an Deamhain from camp

37 litre rucksack, with winter clothing 

On Monday we set off  at 7am for a Braeriach plateau traverse ( Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain Uaine & Braeriach). It was a promising start with the tops all clear but by the time we gained the plateau the waterproofs were on. A minging day of constant mizzle, drizzle or light rain and no views for the majorityof the traverse. There was a wild 40mph,  gusty westerly on Cairn Toul but the winds eased down significantly afterwards. The only other folk we saw all day were 4 hill runners.

A promising start 

But this was the visibility all day

Snow in the many gullies of Garbh Choire Mor 

The infant Dee on the Braeriach plateau 

It was a shame we had no views at all on the high ground. A good day to test out your waterproofs and other kit. On these trips I always carry a complete set of dry, overnight clothing -  no matter how good your waterproofs are. Dry kit at camp is essential for a good night's kip and fresh clothing for the following days walking.

Braeriach summit in the mist

Eventually some breaks in the cloud late afternoon below 900m

Beautiful Moss Campion just starting to show

Starry Saxifrage 

 A top couple of days, not quite June weather- more like early November. I went through 2 pairs of winter mountain gloves on Monday, wearing 3 layers of clothing right through the day. Summer is on hold again. 

John was doing the traverse as part of his charity challenge of climbing Scottish mountains equaling the height of Kilimanjaro, which he has already climbed a few years ago.

Great banter and laughs which always helps when getting through 12 hrs of walking in rain, wind and no views.

John still smiling 





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