WINTER HAS ARRIVED NOW

 

Beinn Mheadhoin with fresh snow

I think it is safe to say that winter has arrived now. On Saturday evening and into Sunday there were strong winds and cold temperatures with snowfall. Today I headed up to the high Cairngorms to check out the conditions. Fresh snow down to 750m. Up on the plateau there is a good covering of snow with plenty of glorious rime ice plastered on the rocks. The temperature did rise slowly during the day. Forecast is to lower slightly so that should firm up the snowpack and even get some ice forming.

Staying cold midweek and much colder towards the end of the week with some good bouts of snowfall to come. This certainly marks the start of winter proper with sustained cold and snowfall. A good base for the coming season.

Bynack Mor

Glorious rime ice

Looking down Strath Nethy

Yesterday and Saturday I was over in the Monadhliath running a MountainHarePhotographyWorkshop. The beautiful Mountain Hares are well into full winter pelage. It was chilly with strong winds and poor light but my client got some great moments with the hares.

Almost there

This beauty is slightly behind her friend

Sheltering from the wind

On the Monadhliath yesterday the conditions were quite poor at 800m in deteriorating visibility. There was a strong wind up high. Wildlife photography was challenging. Hopefully the snow will come even lower by the weekend and keep these beautiful creatures safe.

A clear night and full moon on Saturday 

Monadhliath pines

Heavy showers on Saturday 

A few more photos from today. Don't forget the trickier navigation in winter :)

Rimed fencing in the ski area

These were required today in the cloudy spells

Rime ice, my favourite form.of snow