DEEP POWDER SNOW IN THE CAIRNGORMS

 

What a day to be out on the tops. Virtually no wind, sunshine nearly all day and deep powder snow at all levels. The Cairngorms and East Highlands now have a full cloak of snow down to Strath level. Minus 2 C at Aviemore for the last couple of mornings with some good snowfall. 

Stunning sunrise this morning with amazing vivid colours. As you know I don't do saturated and fake colours in my photography. The walk up the Monadhliath hills was spectacular and a real winter wonderland with snow drapped over all the trees.

Ankle deep powder snow even at low levels. We were the first up the track this morning. Gettng amongst the Mountain hare was hard work above 600m or so. I fell into peat hags through the deep powder and on one occasion the camera was engulfed in snow has I fell up to my waist. The perils and hardships of a wildlife photographer in winter! But it's always worth it.

The hares were looking supreme in their natural environment. The scenery across to the high Cairngorms just beautiful. Wall to wall sunshine after 11am.

There was still some fragments of low cloud lingering in the strath adding to the beautiful day whilst over the Monadhliath it was bright sunshine. Hard work in deep powder if you're venturing off any popular routes now or in the next few days.

 Once it gets to around 2pm at this time of year we get some incredible light with the sun at such low angles. Last hour with the Mountain Hare before heading down at dusk and a superb sunset. There was a layer of cloud thickening below 300m by darkness and the moon trying to shine through the inversion. Brilliant day.