THE FINEST VIEWPOINT IN THE CAIRNGORMS

The Finest viewpoint in The Cairngorms

A reasonable weather forecast today so we decided to head onto The Cairngorm plateau and wander over to the finest viewpoint in the entire Cairngorms. The view down into the Loch Avon basin is just stupendous. It's always deserted. no paths so forget your wee apps and gidebooks. Just get yourself an OS map and plan the route, just like the old days.

No wind in Coire an Lochain

Mountain Hare

Twin Burns

Snow patch, Feithe Buidhe

It's nice to be out guiding and showing folk the wonderful Scottish mountains. No Munros on the agenda today, just some fabulous mountain walking and scenery. It was midgy at the Coire Cas carpark this morning, after a wee smur of rain set them off. The sun came out late morning but by mid day it was dull and overcast. Hardly a breath of wind, even on the tops. It was chilly mind but felt mild with the lack of winds. We saw 2 folk passing us just 5 minutes from the carpark. They were the only people we saw for the rest of the day, despite 20 odd cars parked up on the roadside. After a wander into Coire an Lochain we headed onto the plateau and over to the Feithe Buidhe area. This is a wonderful place for wildlife. We spotted a male adult Snow Bunting and nearby two juveniles who are already getting toward adult size and fending for themselves. In these harsh, hostile mountains anything that lives here quickly has to feed and look after itself in the big world.

Juvenile Snow Bunting at 1100m

...and another shortly after

Second lunch at the finest viewpoint in The Cairngorms (did I mention that already?).  The snow tunnels on the slabs below are just starting to form. Another few days and worth an exploration me thinks. We left shortly before the rain came on.

Lunch with a view

Loch A'an

Feithe Buidhe slabs

Tunnels forming

Great to be back out guiding amongst my local mountains. It's been a while. I have some great trips coming up with clients over the next few months. Mountain Hare photography, Ben Nevis via CMD arete, Individual Navigation course, 2 days Cairngorm Munro trip, Cairngorms 4000fters wild camping weekend, 6 guys from Holland on a 6 day walking/biking holiday, 4 days in Torridon on a travers of the 'Big 3 Torridonian Giants' and a weekend in Glen Shiel. Lots of dates still free. I offer bespoke guiding and small groups of friends/family. All my trips will be strictly adhering to the latest COVID-19 Guideline of course for your safety. Accommodation in The Highlands will be opening up shortly, on the 15th July. Looking forward to getting out and doing what I do best.

All details on my websites:

Tarmachan Mountaineering
https://www.tarmachan-mountaineering.org.uk/

Gary Hodgson Photography
https://www.garyhphotography.com/

Coire an t-sneachda just before the rain