STUNNING DAY ON BRAERIACH

Braeriach summit and Ben Macdui

Loch Coire an Lochain

Lairig Ghru and Coire Brochain

Strathspey from Braeriach plateau

Cairn Toul & Sgurr an Lochain Uaine (Angels Peak)

Coire Brochain and Cairn Toul

Sunrise on Sgor Gaoithe

Looking west from Braeriach plateau

Ben Macdui and Lairig Ghru

It was a glorious day across much of the northern Highlands, including The Cairngorms. The promise of fabulous weather conditions today meant a very early start for me (3am). Braeriach, the third highest mountain in Britain, is my favourite of all the Cairngorm summits. This huge complex mountain has so many corries, plateaux and ridges that you never tire of finding new ways to the top. One of  my favourite routes is the long walk or cycle up Glen Einich and then ascending via the Northern Corries, where you will find the highest named stretch of water, Loch Coire an Lochain. You are almost guaranteed to have this area all to yourself (with the occasional exception of yours truly). There wasn't a breath of wind on the top and it felt  relatively warm in the sun-reflected snow. There was full snow cover on the plateau, and a breakable crust made it hard going for much of the time. However, it was a very memorable day out.