ANOTHER ALPINE DAY IN THE CAIRNGORMS

Loch A'an

A stunning 2nd day for Ollie & Will. Another Alpine conditions jaunt in the Cairngorms. Wall to wall sunshine and fabulous snow cover across the plateau. Keen to get up high again and the guys were also looking to get some navigation experience. With completely clear skies it want difficult so I got the brothers to find some less obvious and challenging spots to find. It was also a good way of getting to some of the finest viewpoints away from the hoardes.

Sun rising over Coire an t-sneachda 

Heading up to Windy Col 

Only sunshine at the top

To gain the plateau we headed into Coire an t-sneachda and up onto Windy Col. Wonderful snow conditions. Time for some navigation. 

Windy Col

Away from the crowds

Loch A'an

We had a recap on navigation in featureless terrain. Yet again I came across clients who have 'cheap' compasses. It's hard to believe that these useless and dangerous imitations of a vital piece of kit are actually sold in outdoor shops. Why are they useless you may ask. The most important part of the compass is the bearing mechanism in the centre of the compass, where the needle floats. The two different models I have come across this week seem to have a very poor mechanism and the needle sticks, or only moves sporadically. I certainly wouldn't trust them.

Full snow cover

Loch A'an

Wonderful and quiet

Carn Etchachan and Loch A'an

Despite a faulty, useless compass the boys did a great job navigating across an untrodden plateau. Well with the help of my proper compass which is a Silva Trype 4 compass. This is the industry standard and a quality piece of kit.

Will enjoying the peaceful plateau 

Essential kit today

Nearly there

Cairn Gorm

The boys first winter Munro

We finished off by bagging Cairn Gorm, walking up from the southern slopes. A decent down Windy Ridge in glorious afternoon sunshine completed a top couple of days.

Full snow cover and late afternoon sun

Looking superb