WINTER DAY ON BEN MACDUI

Cairn Toul & Braeriach

Cairn Toul, Sgurr an Lochan Uaine & Braeriach

Male ptarmigan

Braeriach

Ben Macdui & Cairn Toul

Female ptarmigan

Male & female ptarmigan

Another clear, cold and frosty morning in Strathspey. Up on the Cairngorms  was some cloud lingering on the tops making for an atmospheric day. There is full cover of snow on the plateau, surprisingly not many folk ski touring despite the good conditions. More ptarmigan than people up on the plateau today. The route across the plateau to Britain's second highest mountain is much nicer in winter, even easier (if it's clear) as much of the rock is covered in snow. This time of year there is usually more depth of snow cover but considering the strange winter we have experienced this year, it ain't that bad. The summit of Ben Macdui was in cloud when I arrived but after half an hour of sitting in the chilly , moderate breeze the tops momenterary cleared and revealed the wonderful panorama of Cairn Toul to Braeriach across the Lairig Ghru. Most folk tend to just take photos from the trig point but id you wander over to the east and descend slightly you get the full vista of Lairig Ghru and the mountains. From this vantage point you appreciate the scale of these huge hills. Don't wander too far though as you will end up in the Lairig! Nice to see plenty of ptarmigan high up on the plateau today. Looking like it's staying cold through the rest of the week with some nice days ahead. A great time to get out on the hills and my favourite month of winter starts tomorrow!