HOT & HIGH WINDS ON BRAERIACH

Cairn Toul & Sgor an Lochan Uaine

The summit of Braeriach

Braeriachs Northern Corries

Summit slopes to summit still with snow

One of the spots with no wind!

Ben Macdui from the summit, cairn still under snow

Another very hot day in the Highlands. The west coast getting the hot spots. Aviemore not faring too bad with another 24 degrees. It was a very windy day up on Braeriach, despite the forecast sugesting 45mph winds. It was around 50 with gusts to 60mph for much of the time. The Sron na Lairig ridge seemed to be the windiest place this morning. There were even large chips of cornice breaking off in the wind and flying across the plateau. The bits that didn't hit you in the face were flying higher, melting in the heat and descending as water! Quite bizarre conditions for May really. The calmest places were around the summit area so it was pleasant to sit down and admire the extensive views from the UK's third highest mountain. The snow cover on the plateau is starting to break up with some big areas of bare ground now. Looking across to Ben Macdui and it looks extensive snow above 1150m. Finally the winter gear as been stored away for this season. It was lovely not having to wear gloves, hats and fleeces for the first time this year. Another hot day tomorrow and possibly Thursday. Forecasts suggesting much cooler temperatures by the weekend with a return of a northerly airflow.