THE RETURN OF WINTER AND THE SUN!

A rimed up Coire an Lochain

Braeriach from Cairn Lochan

Sun and blue skies all day

East aspects with snow

Fiacaill Coire an t-sneachda

Cairn Gorm, breezy here last few days

Wind scoured areas

Celebrating the return of the sun

Christmas Day saw the temperatures rocket through much of the Highlands, along with some pretty wild winds. The summit of Cairn Gorm once again received wind speeds of over 100mph. By Christmas evening the temperatures dropped like a stone as a cold front passed over the country. Along with this we got overnight snow into Boxing Day. The snow and high winds continued throughout Boxing Day down to low levels. Today we got an absolute beautiful day. Clear skies and much, much lighter winds. I think we were due a lovely day. It was such a pleasure to be strolling around the Cairngorm plateau with stunning views and wall to wall sunshine. Despite the sun it wasn't warm of course (it is December)! We enjoyed a great day. The storm force winds over previous days had scoured the higher areas. Most of the snow has been deposited on Easterly aspects. The plateau is mostly bare with a light coating of rime ice. Sneachda and Lochain corries have rime ice. Coire an Lochain has much more snow than Sneachda which is looking bare. Th gullies are filling with snow. All we need are the temperatures to stay low and some more precipitation. Another good, dry day in store tomorrow and staying cold.