GREAT WINTER CONDITIONS ON BEN VRACKIE

Ben Vrackie

Looking south from Ben Vrackie

High windchill on the summit

Great snow cover

Windslab near the summit

Great views of Beinn a' Ghlo

Lochan frozen

Descending

Chilly on top

With a forecast of bright skies south from The Cairngorms today, we decided to head down to Pitlochry and have a day out on the fabulous wee hill of Ben Vrackie. Another decision of heading away from the Cairngorms was to avoid the knee to waist deep drifts! A hill that is popular was sure to have a well blazed trail up through the soft, unconsolidated snow. I wasn't wrong. We were spot on weather wise too, south of Drumochter the skies cleared and we were in sunshine for most of the day. Ben Vrackie  fails to reach the magic  Munro height by only 70 odd metres. This popular Corbett was a regular walk of mine when I lived in Killin so it was like visiting an old friend. Of all the winter ascents of the hill this must be the best weather day I have ever experienced up here. There was a high windchill on the top, even though the winds were quite light today. Beautiful clear, crisp views in all directions. The view of Beinn a' Ghlo from the summit is particularly fine. It wasn't a hill to be on if you wanted peace and solitude, don't think I have seen so many folk up here. Thankfully axe and crampons weren't required today, if they were some folk may have had a very different experience. The final 200m had a deep covering of snow and the hill was looking very fine under it's winter coat. Turning milder tomorrow which is great, just what we need to consolidate the snow pack, but no heatwaves please!