Hopefully, thanks to some inspiration from Walk Highlands, I’ve hit on a legal way of showing route maps on my site. Here is a link to the route I did last Saturday on the Saddle which is described in this blog post.

It uses the Open API from Multimap which is free (at the time of writing) to use, as long as your particular application doesn’t take up more than 1% of the Open API’s requests. I think I’ll be safe on that front!

Using their documentation the code was pretty straightforward to put together. It basically takes the gpx file I record using my Garmin eTrex and generates a map around the route, showing the start point and centering the map at the appropriate zoom level to show the whole route. From here you can zoom and scroll to your heart’s content.

I’m really pleased with the results and will be using it to illustrate my routes from now on. If anyone experiences browser related problems I’d be interested to know. I’ve only tested it so far on Safari on my Mac.

Last month I took delivery of a Terra Nova Laser Competition 2009 model from Springfield Camping. After reading many, many Akto vs Lasercomp debates on the internet I went for the Lasercomp as I feel it more than meets my needs. My only slight concern is the length of the tent which is just about adequate. I do appreciate having the extra headroom though.

I’ve been looking at the various modifications people have made to their tents but have decided to hold off doing anything major until I’ve had it out in the wild.

I’ve pitched the tent a couple of times outside and it seems nice and straightforward. It also folds well into the stuffsack and in red, looks pretty mean!

Along with the tent came a Thermarest ProLite 4 self-inflating mat. Although the Neoair seems to be the way to go these days I’ve never, ever enjoyed that feeling of being on a lilo and so decided to take the extra volume of the Prolite for a better night’s sleep. It seems to pack down pretty compactly as it is.

My third important piece of kit arrived in the middle of a last week – a PHD Minim 400 down sleeping bag. This seems an amazing bit of kit, light and very packable whilst having a good temperature rating. I sleep just on the warm side so my thinking is that this will see me through a decent amount of the year and with a liner can be extended on a particularly cold spring/autumn night.

The fourth item was a camping stove. My aim is to only really use it for cups of tea and heating water for rehydrated meals so I went for something small and light – an Optimus Crux. This is an amazingly small bit of kit but seems to do the job very well. The real test will be cooking outdoors on a sloping pitch with the wind howling all around. Luckily the Comp has a decent porch! To go with the Crux I also got a solo titanium pot – the gas canister, stove and spork all fit inside of this!

I’m really looking forward to getting out and testing all this stuff for real and have a fair few plans up my sleeve for the next decent weather window.

Famous last words: “It’s only three hours up and down.” This is no doubt true if you approach from Arnisdale, have a masochistic love for scree and it isn’t a scorching 27 degrees in the glens. Anyway, an utterance of the hillwalker’s prayer over a dram of Ardbeg the night before had clearly done the trick and we had another glorious day.

This was the final day of the Kintail expedition (traditionally a short day with a long drive back to Aberdeen ahead). We left the bunkhouse at Morvich quite late and had a great drive across the Mam Ratagan, down to the sleepy village of Glenelg facing Skye, and then into Gleann Beag passing the mysterious Brochs. On reaching the farm at Balvraid both of us tried to take cars a bit further but eventually thought better of it and parked on the verge above the Abhainn a Ghlinne Bhig, just outside the farm gates. Kitted up we were on our way in the bright morning sunshine just before 9:30.

The first part of the walk takes you deeper into the Gleann on a good vehicle track (much improved beyond the farm). The peacefulness of the situation and the sunshine make this remote glen and most beautiful spot. The rugged slopes of the hills here lead the eye towards the more rugged and shapely peaks in the distance.

After a pleasant stroll the track was left and we dropped through wooded slopes to an elegant bridge crossing the river which here flowed through steep-sided rocky chasm.

On the far side we had a slog up a damp slope to pick up the vague path which is shown on the OS Map running just inside the trees and avoiding the worst of the bog. We lost it again briefly as we cut a corner to reach the Allt Srath a Chomarbut were soon back on a good quality surface which finally brought us our first proper views of Beinn Sgritheall.

The heat was steadily beating as we crossed the stream (having spied a great looking spot for a later dip!) and headed through the tangle of woodland to the base of the real climb.

Not totally sure of the route we decided to head up into the central coire and see what happened. We scrambled our way up the stream in Coire Dubh until we could see a path winding its way up the headwall. To the right the east ridge looked impressive and there were other crags on the left.

As we got further into the coire we decided to climb up to the left to make it more of a round of the mountain than a straight up and down. It was a steep climb and then a nice scramble up onto this ridge which culminates at the spot height 641 on the map.

This gave fantastic views up to the higher reaches of Beinn Sgritheall as well as back down the glen we had walked up.

As we waited for our party to regroup we enjoyed a laze in the wonderful sunshine. Below us a small herd of deer lolled about in the heat. The hills of the fine Kingdom of Knoydart were shimmering in the haze.

From here we dropped down to the Lochan in Coire Min and then crossed to pick up the trail which led up to the final climb to the summit ridge.

This was a massively, stupid steep section of grass which, in the heat, was a total killer. Luckily though someone had arranged for an amazing view at the top and as I stood catching my breath, wiping sweat off my brow, I gazed out over the wonderful, shimmering waters of Loch Hourn to the peaks beyond. It was utterly glorious, as was the clear track which came down from the south top and headed up to the summit to the north.

The views got better as I gained the last few meters up to the summit, eventually reaching the cairn and dropping down on the very edge of the cliffs overlooking Arnisdale and the Loch.

With the weather we had this has to be one of the most amazing views in the north-west highlands. The Black Cuillin of Skye with Blaven in the foreground were just across the water, and to the south the distinct shape of Ben Nevis, snow still in the northern cliffs, was clearly seen despite the haze. More impressive though were the hills of Knoydart, very close at hand beyond the Loch.

After a very relaxed lunch on the top we decided to head down the east ridge as it looked a lot of fun from the climb up. It turned out to be a great way off the hill, offering superb views and a good track dropping down stony sections and with views into yawning gullies back down to Coire Min.

Soon enough we were dropping down the steep grassy slopes back down to the trees and the river. We wound our way back, tracing our outward steps until we found a nice looking spot in the river for a refreshing dip. The water, cool and clear, was the most refreshing thing and it felt great to wash away all the sweat and dust.

The walk back in the sunshine dried the shorts pretty quick and before too long we had crossed the bridge and were back on the tracks to the car at the top of Glenn Beag.

Then it was just a small matter of driving back to Aberdeen, stopping at the chipper in Drumnadrochit for a fish supper and doing battle with the usual useless driving.

And to finish, a video panorama from the top of Beinn Sgritheall.

The Saddle via Forcan Ridge and more at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail: Geotagging Community

The west coast wonder weather continued on Saturday despite a somewhat cloudy start. Aiming to have the majority of the tough climbing and scrambling done before the sun became too ridiculous we were on the road from Morvich before 7:30 and were the second car to arrive in the layby close to the plantation by the A87 at NG973138.

We kitted up and headed back west down the road until we came to the usual start point for the path up to the start of the Forcan Ridge at NG968143. This is an excellent stalkers path which rapidly gains height up the slopes of Meallan Odhar.

Behind us to the east the rising sun was finding its way through chinks in the cloud and casting a glorious light on the slopes of the Five Sisters. The spectacular scenery got better as we climbed and the clouds kept the temperatures to a reasonable level.

After climbing past the summit of Meallan Odhar we rounded a corner and got a first view of the very impressive Forcan Ridge. From here it looked a lot of fun in a jagged sort of way.

We crossed the lumpy ground to the foot of it and then, in the face of a stiff wind, donned an extra layer before starting the scramble.

I was leading and kept to the crest of the ridge as much as possible. The first section runs up some steep grooves with excellent hand and footholds on good rock. The views behind were getting very spectacular indeed.

After this some path sections take you up to below Sgurr Nan Forcan. There was then some excellent scrambling, with one fun move around an airy corner and some other steps along narrow slabs of rock, tipped on their edges. Nothing was beyond my comfort zone though and it felt good to be moving. We were first on the ridge and so had plenty of time to explore.

We reached Sgurr Nan Forcan and enjoyed breathtaking views in all directions.

From here, there was a steep drop down to the final rise up towards the Saddle itself. My teammates chose to avoid this and scrambled down a steep gully to the left, reaching an avoidance path below. I took a look at the downclimb and went for it. The first couple of moves were somewhat leaps of faith, my foot reaching down into the void but soon finding a good purchase. Once I started moving it flowed nicely together and after a couple of long reaches I was down on the path feeling really proud of myself.

I again took the lead for the final section, narrow but fun, which took us up to the Saddle itself.

The views from the trig point on the summit were spectacular. We took a few minutes soaking them in before turning slightly down slope on the sheltered northern side to eat a mid-morning snack. Our progress had been steady and we’d reached the summit in 3 hours from our starting point up the road.

We were now headed for Sgurr na Sgine, the next Munro around heading towards the South Cluanie Ridge. From this side it was a lumpy looking hill with no great prominenence. After taking a look into the Saddle’s huge central coire we dropped steeply down a rubbly path, paralleling a drystone dyke that dropped from the summit slopes of the mountain. This is the avoiding route if you don’t fancy the Forcan Ridge.

It brought us down below the ridge to a wide bealach where we paused again to admire the views onto the Knoydart hills.

After a wee snooze we continued on past the small lochan and then climbed steep grassy slopes onto the ridge between Faochag and Sgurr na Sgine.

We followed a good track round and then up the final steep slope to the summit plateau. It is a rocky, undulating area with the summit cairn located at the very eastern end perched above the mountain’s prominent east facing cliffs.

Here we ate lunch gazing out on a landscape now basking in the heat of a high summer sun. From Skye to Torridon, Knoydart and down to Ben Nevis it was a dream view.

After scoping out our options we dropped southeast off the summit, staying above the cliffs and looking down a couple of steep gullies until we came down to a point we we could drop down steep, grassy slopes to another drystone wall. This brought us safely down below the cliffs to another col which we crossed before climbing up the Corbett Ben a Crois Chaolais.

With the sun beating down this was a vicious climb across boulder strewn gullies and then up steep, heathery slopes. Luckily it was soon over and we gratefully sat down next to the cairn at the summit drinking in the stunning view across to the South Cluanie Ridge.

Here we had another snooze in the sun before being woken up by a chap coming up from the Cluanie Ridge side carrying nothing much besides a water bottle. He had driven up from Paisley, set off at 7:30-ish from the Cluanie Inn and got to this point in roughly the same time it had taken us to reach the Corbett!

After this we dropped down off the east side of Ben a Crois Chaolais and then made our way across the lumpy col between it and the Cluanie Ridge. At a point more than halfway along there is a right of way which eventually heads to Kinloch Hourn. We used it to drop down the Allt Mhalagain, a long descent in the late afternoon heat. We paused a few times at stream crossings to wash faces and refill bottles before eventually coming across the boggy land back to the A87.

What a day it had been. Tired from the heat but bowled over by the incredible views and fine scrambling of the Forcan Ridge.

Munros north of Glen Lyon at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail:GPS Geotagging

It’s a wonderful feeling: leaving the house in brilliant sunshine, a hint of a frosty dawn still lingering in the air. The quiet roads were a joy and in no time at all I was off the A90 and winding my way through the backroads of first Angus and then Perthshire. A dash up a deserted A9 got me to Aberfeldy and then it was a matter of following the Glen Lyon/Bridge of Balgie signs until, having negotiated my way down the narrowest of single lane roads, I found myself at the car park below the telephone box in Invervar just a few minutes before 8:30am.

Kitted up and with slightly reckless shortsleeves I crossed the road, went through the gate and was soon heading up a track through the woods. Somewhere to my left there was the roar of the burn tumbling down and occasionally I glimpsed flecks of white water through the lush greenery that was basking in the early sunshine.

Leaving the woods onto more open hillside I continued up a well defined track. Ahead of me was the shoulder of the day’s second hill, Meall Garbh. White sheep dotted the hillside and as I climbed Glen Lyon opened up behind me. South, over the treetops could be seen the fastness of the Lawers range rising up until its peaks were lost in a cap of ominous grey cloud.

In the sunshine I was happy, crossing the rickety metal bridge at 660495 before continuing up the track on the left side of the burn. At a point just after the trees the main turned to climb onto the open moorland and the long ridge of Carn Gorm.

I was enjoying the walk by the water though and kept heading alongside it before finally climbing steep, boggy ground to reach the main track half way up the shoulder.

Ahead of me Carn Gorm showed a good profile, particular with the top of An Sgurr to its right. The track narrowed and zig-zagged its way up the face, the views on to the Lawers range getting better and better at each turn. An Stuc was just out of cloud whilst Lawers itself was still attracting a covering.

A level section was crossed and then the final pull up was completed with the summit being reached just an hour after setting off from the car. Up here the wind was strong and gusty and carried a feeling of snow. I stopped by the ruined trig points to admire the extensive view. Loch Rannoch was now revealed and beyond Lawers I could see Ben More and Stob Binnein.

In the sheltered side of the cairn I donned layers including hat and gloves as the temperature had dropped noticeably with the climb. From now on I’d be above 800m for the rest of the day until dropping down from the final summit.

A good path led off the top down the north ridge which had pleasing views back down the ascent route and a fine view of Loch Rannoch. Instead of staying on the main track I went up the top of An Sgurr before dropping down to the col below the next Munro, Meall Garbh.

The track climbed steeply beside a line of metal fence posts until the large cairn, topped by numerous posts, on a gentle domed summit.

The wind was biting but had definitely helped to break the cloud up meaning the sun was back out again. From the 968 summit I headed across to the 963 top and then returned to the fence line to drop down a bouldery summit to the next col.

From here and as I climbed up to Meall a’ Bharr there were excellent views onto the scree slopes of Schiehallion which lay just to the northeast.

Hardly any height is lost on this next section of plateau which runs around to the stony rim of Coire Chearcaill and brings you up close to the crag which forms a great southern facing prow to Carn Mairg.

I visited the summit and then dropped the sack behind the tor to have a scramble across it to get the views over to Ben Lawers and the final Munro of the day, Meall na Aighean.

Returning to the bag it was around 11:30 and having been walking for 3 hours now I decided it was high time for some food. After this I dropped steeply down close to the craps on the southern side of Carn Mairg. There was a track but this was a lot steeper than the recommended route down the east ridge. In no time I was heading across the peaty Bealach where I met the first walkers of the day. They had descended Meall na Aighean. I followed their steps up, branching left to reach the main summit just on 12pm.

As I sat on the jumbled summit, admiring views to Ben Lawers and the Tyndrum hills I felt quite satisfied at having got four Munros in before midday. Whilst there hadn’t been much re-ascent, it had been much colder than expected. It had been good to enjoy the solitude of these hills as well.

I dropped off the summit and visited the 974 top before joining the splendid main track which drops off the west ridge heading straight for Invervar.

I paused several times on the way down to enjoy the views but before too long I was rejoining the outward track and heading back through the forest to the now very much more crowded car park!

Braeriach at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail:GPS Geotagging

The trundle around to Aviemore was long, and largely uneventful and, though the bus driver was dubious, we were eventually on the right road heading past Loch Morvich up towards the ski centre at Cairn Gorm. Jim was also doubtful but we turned into the car park opposite the walk start and were soon booting up under austere but definitely brightening skies (NH985073).

The paths in this area of the national park are excellent and we made good time, climbing up away from the road and walking towards the Chalamain Gap with the ski centre and funicular railway away on our left hand side. The cloud base was sitting at around 900m and with the sun beginning to shine over Aviemore there was an optimistic air.

The scramble through the Chalamain gap (always makes me want to sign Kid Charlemagne by Steely Dan…) was taken at a variety of paces on a number of routes. The jumble of boulders giving lots of opportunities for a slide, a stumble and some good scrambling but we emerged at the bealach below Craeg a Chalamain largely unscathed.

The narrow ribbon of the Lairig Ghru track was away below and this is what we made for, joining it just below the former site of the Sincliar Hut.

Whilst until now it had seemed that the sun might make a bid for freedom, at the Sinclair Hut (NH959037) it closed in and a steady rain began to fall. We had elevenses here (though it was closer to 12:30 after the late start) before donning waterproofs and heading up the good track on the other side of the Ghru. This climbed steeply up the north-eastern ridge of Braeriach although after only a hundred meters or so of ascent we were in the cloud.

Progress was slow as we tried to maintain close distance between groups. This was largely successful until I deviated from the main path (around NH964014), instead choosing to navigate using the cairns which mark the two bumps on the ridge. The following group took the path but we didn’t know this until later. There was a tense ten minutes until we were reunited at the cairn of Sron na Lairige.

After this we had an entertaining twenty minutes where we dropped off the wrong side of the hill in the mist and ended up having to turn back on ourselves. Eventually we were back on course and at the col below the main summit plateau. We contoured round and rejoined the main track which emerged from under the first of several snow fields. Following footprints and the track was easy enough despite the visibility being virtually zero, and the wind blowing the cloud fiercely into our faces.

After what seemed like an hour the terrain finally levelled off and we came across the summit cairn, poised close to the cliffs in a deep layer of snow. A little further west we found a sheltered spot to gratefully take lunch. It had been an exhausting toil up from the Lairig Ghru and was now well into the afternoon.

Given the time our original plan to continue across the plateau and then drop into Gleann Einich was abandoned in favour of returning by the inward route. Following the path the whole way this time we made much better progress, eventually dropping down out of the claustrophobic clouds. They had slightly lifted so we got raggedy views down from the final part of the ridge into the Lairig Ghru.

Back at the Sinclair Hut area waterproofs were taken off and under a brightening sky we started the long march out to Coylumbridge. At first the path was treachorous with rocks and stones but as we approached the trees lower down it improved and we cracked on at a much better pace. Into the trees and the sun finally appeared, bathing everything in the glow of a late afternoon.

As we got further towards the finish of the day we passed people cooking dinner outside their tents and the occassional family on mountain bikes. Eventually we emerged back at the main road and had a weary walk down the pavement to the Coylumbridge Hotel where the coach was waiting for us.

It had been a long trip and though the views were non-existent it was nonetheless rewarding to get to the top of the UK’s third highest peak in less than ideal conditions. The GPS earnt its bread today though it should be noted that the compass got us out of the 180 turn!

I only took photos until just after the Chalamain Gap but here they are: Flickr Photoset

So, sometimes it’s good to shake up the normal routine of a weekend. After going to see Star Trek with friends I got back and looked up on a velvety blue sky shimmering with stars. The summer triangle was creeping above the horizon and inside the weather forecast promised a continuation of this clear spell at least until midday. MWIS concurred with the eastern hills being given an 80% chance of being cloud free during Sunday morning.

With the promise of a good sunrise and the stars signalling the return to short summer nights I packed the sack, made some food and quietly loaded everything into the car, trying not to disturb the neighbours.

I rolled out of Aberdeen, accompanied by a few taxi drivers and wandering revellers a little after 2am and was soon alone on the A93 behind the far-reaching beams of my headlamps. The roads were, of course, quiet and I passed unnoticed through the villages along the Dee, eventually crossing the river at Ballater and picking up the road to the Spittal of Glenmuick.

It was eerie making my way down the single track. Every passing place sign and snowpole was illuminated far in front of me by my lights. More unnerving though were the small packs of deer that, at my approach, decided they wanted to be on the other side of the road as quickly as possible. Thankfully I made it to the carpark without harming any wildlife.

A campervan, a car and an estate truck were the only vehicles in evidence at the car park at 3:30am. I found I only had £2.90 in change (the rest being 5ps which the machine does not accept). I left the car without ticket thinking that I’d be back and out before the crowds arrived anyway.

The night was still and peaceful and it was a delight to walk along the good track towards Loch Muick. I had the headtorch but after passing through the trees switched it off, letting my senses adjust to the sights and sounds of the tranquil pre-dawn. In the east there was already a lightening of the sky evident, the hills standing black against it.

I made steady progress along the west side of the Loch, stopping occasionally to watch as the glow in the east steadily grey. The colour of the Loch was wonderful. In front of me I saw Broad Cairn emerge from the gloaming, its peak scattered with snow.

As the light grew I climbed the zig-zagging track up to reach the high plateau leading up to Broad Cairn.

The clouds were sticking over Lochnanagar and also Broad Cairn, sitting at around 900m. Above, the sky was turning red as a glow appeared beyond Mount Keen under a dark band of cloud.

As 5am approached I dropped my sack and sat back on a rock perched high above the Loch to watch the sun arrive. The changing quality of light was magnificent.

After this I carried on, passing Sandy’s Seat and getting views into Glen CLova. The snow of the past week had transformed Mayar and Dreish.

The climb up Broad Cairn is straightforward, with a track much of the way and only a bit of clambering required to ascend through the boulder fields. The only slight difficulty was the rocks encrusted with a thick layer of frost.

As 6am approached I was at the summit, clambering up to the Cairn and sitting down just out of the bitingly cold wind to enjoy the views and some breakfast.

I got a couple of shots as unfortunately the cloud drifted in once again, obscuring the sun and plunging me into a cold mist.

I took a bearing off the summit for the next top but just below the cairn picked up good track which wound its way across the plateau, across the top of Cairn of Galloch, and then up and on to Cairn Bannoch.

The rise was hardly anything which was appropriate as neither was the view. After only a couple of minutes spent in the swirling mist I headed down from the summit.

In clear weather it would have been good to head down to the crags above the Dubh Loch but in the conditions I went south west from the summit and picked up a snowfilled burn which took me down towards the Allt an Dubh-loch. I carefully picked my way across to the fast flowing stream, the views starting to open out. Most impressive was the waterfall tumbling down the Eagle Rocks.

I crossed the Allt and followed its left bank downhill towards the Dubh Loch which could now be seen between the steep sides of the crags. It was an impressive sight despite the overhead cloud.

As I dropped down the faint traces of a path could be seen and I now followed this until it became more distinct as shown on the map. Close to the Loch it was very boggy but as it rose up at the Loch’s foot it became much better and progress was good.

The path drops impressively down the side of the head of Glen Muick towards the Loch with the views opening out on all sides. Besides me Broad Cairn was starting to emerge from the clouds.

On a good path I was soon at Glas-allt-Shiel, pausing by the Loch in front of the house. After this it was a walk back down the side of Loch Muick, passing the boathouse and returning to the car just on 9am.

As I sat drinking a brew the first daywalkers were pulling into the car park and booting up. It felt good to have had this busy place completely to myself.

A typical Bank Holiday forecast promising a mix of sunshine and showers, though decidedly better on the east, meant I abandoned grand plans for a trip up to Assynt and the Far North, and instead returned to (almost) familiar ground in the Cairngorms. In fact, as I got held up behind another driver doing 45mph on the A93 at 7:15 in the morning, I reflected on the fact that this walk would very much be on new ground. I’d been over Beinn Bhrotain last year but that had been in cloud. I was hoping today to get a proper sight of Glen Dee and the giants at the heart of the Cairngorms.

After overcoming the slow traffic I finally pulled up at the Linn of Dee carpark at 8:30am. It seemed most people were ahead of me and I only found a space as I was almost out of the circle again! Booted up and with sunshine peeking over the tops of the pine trees it was with an optimistic air that I set off towards Derry Lodge. Last year I’d returned via Whitebridge so again this was new ground and a pleasant walk it is too, leaving the pine trees and then heading up the broad Glen Lui with the first and last of today’s hills, Carn a Mhaim and Carn Crom on display above the trees surrounding Derry Lodge.

Derry Lodge is in need of a bike shed I feel – there were many scattered here and there, some behind the Mountain Rescue hut and others by the tree near the bridge. Clearly a lot of people are tired of walking the track from the Linn of Dee. I kept on my feet though and after crossing the bridge took an immediate left to follow the Corrour Bothy expressway. It wound over boggy ground near the river before rising up around the lower slopes of Carn Crom.

I passed a few people on the track here and it was soon clear that the pull up to Carn a Mhaim would be steep going. First of all though I had a pleasant cup of tea by the Luibeg just below the bridge.

I had investigated the crossing lower down but decided it would be silly to run the risk of getting wet feet when someone had gone to the trouble of installing a bridge! Sadly, on the other side of the bridge the return path to the Corrour highway is very boggy and just as I reached the gate onto the open hillside the first of the day’s showers arrived. Waterproof jacket was on and head was down for the climb up a good track that pretty much attacked the hill head on.

Behind me, views back down towards the Lui were lush and green whilst north and east, the grey slopes of Derry Cairngorm were attracting some mist.

The initial steepness eased off as the first crags were reached. The path heads round to the left side of them giving you a sudden view over Glen Dee onto Devil’s Point rising over the ridge.

A snow slope then led up towards Carn a’ Mhaims summit. The snow was easy enough to kick through and the rewards were stunning. A clear view from the summit directly onto the Devil’s Point, down to the Corrour Bothy and north towards the Lairig Ghru.

Initially Ben Macdui and Braeriach were both in the clouds but as I stopped for a bite to eat and to take pictures the wind blew things through and I got a good sight of my next target, Macdui.

The ridge off Carn a’ Mhaim is a delight with the views ever more majestic and some little scrabbles over bumps to keep things interesting.

The only downside is the heightloss with the col between Mhaim and Macdui being around 800m. The path turned northeast climbing up Macdui but eventually becoming lost in a boulder field which was arduous going for the last 300m or so.

Not only was it a boulder field but it also had plenty of false summits which really shouldn’t be allowed. At this time a snow shower came in and I lost sight of the summit. However as I arrived on the icy plateau it had again blown through and I could see a few figures heading up to the summit.

Picking up tracks across this snow and ice bound area I was soon heading up the final few hundred meters to the summit where a trig point looked over a desolate area of rocks and fresh snow. A few shelters scattered around were being used by people to keep out of the icy wind.

After taking someone’s photo at the trig point I headed slightly north to get a panoramic view of the Cairngorms.

After eating lunch behind one of the summit shelters I descended Ben Macdui, heading east and down a long snow slope towards the main track down to Loch Etchachan.

After the snow ran out I picked up a track that went along the top of the cliffs above Coire Sputan Dearg getting the occassional view through yet another snow shower to Derry Cairngorm.

The snow was heaviest as I left Loch Etchachan and crossed the bealach east of Coire Sputan Dearg. Luckily through it yet again blew through and the sun came out. The views back to Macdui were magnificent and as I followed the track up to Derry’s summit I got lovely views onto the Lochan Uaine nestled in its stunning corrie.

Another boulder field was much better in sunshine and soon enough I was on the summit of Derry Cairngorm, once again enjoying magnificent views. Beinn a’ Ghlo had lost its cloud cover, and Lochnagar was just emerging.

From here I descended south, following the bumps and well worn track down from Derry and then along to Carn Crom. I met a few people coming up the way here and the sun now seemed to have settled in for the afternoon. It was a wonderfully pleasant walk. I even bumped into some local wildlife clambering down the side above Coire na Cloiche.

The summit of Carn Crom doesn’t appear to be very popular but is worth a visit as it gives great views back up into Glen Dee and Macdui, as well as east towards Beinn Bhreach and a huge vista south with the Glas Maol group and Glas Tulaichean dominating. I had my final tea stop here, enjoying the peace and solitude before heading back to the track and dropping down into Glen Derry.

The path is well engineered and gets you down into the trees below Creag Bad an t-Seabhaig very quickly.

I crossed the Derry and sat by the bank watching a few groups of campers, loaded with kit, hitting the Courrour Expressway. It was idyllic in the late afternoon sun.

Now all that was left was the stroll back along Glen Lui to the car at Linn of Dee. All told it was around 21 miles and I completed it in around 8 hrs 15 minutes with stops. It had been an epic but rewarding day. I knew that given the amount of snow showers around I had been very fortunate to get three clear summits and the wonderful views!

A weak sun lights the dull, grey waters of Loch Lomond as the Inversnaid ferry plies across from a far shore wreathed in cloud. The long drone of a piper starts as the guests climb the jetty up to the Inveruglas visitor center where a car park is already struggling to contain the early starts. Here we are, adding to the multitudes, booting up and then heading across the road towards the Loch Sloy turning. The Sloy hydro station stands silent as we troop down the road, a multicolour line of troops marching to do battle with the hill.

As the main road turns sharply left we turn right and head under the West Highland line. From a gate ahead hangs a 10mph speed limit sign but we don’t alter our pace. Through the gate and up the tarmac road towards Loch Sloy we head. As the road climbs up past the distribution station we get a hazy view back over Loch Lomond and ahead to the cloud-capped summit of Ben Narnain’s outlying top A’ Chrois.

Rounding the shoulder of Ben Vorlich gives us our first sight of Ben Vane, its jagged summit appearing briefly as cloud moves through.

We followed the track to the bridge just below the Loch Sloy dam and then crossed the river. The track then climbed steeply up the lowest flanks of Ben Vane before reaching a small burn coming off a final outlying knobble of the mountain’s southeastern ridge (295093). Here we left the road and headed alongside the burn. The ground here was extremely boggy but soon led onto a steep slope, a riven track taking us up onto the ridge and giving us a great view up the mountain.

A few people could be seen winding there way up and we were soon following them. The views opened out just as the cloud started to lift. The steep slopes of Ben Vorlich above Loch Sloy and in the opposite direction the summit of Ben Narnain. In the stronger sunshine the climb was hot work and in the shade of an overhanging crag we paused for a drink of water and a bite to eat.

After the gentler lower slopes it is from here that the going gets considerably steeper. A well trodden path though gets you higher very quickly, winding around several craggy outcrops that spill down from the mountain summit which gets closer and closer with each step. Off to the north the dam on Loch Sloy could be seen below Ben Vorlich.

Not far below the summit there is a good opportunity for some scrambling. I found at least three different ways of getting up this short section of rocks, one of which was slippery with falling water.

Once overcoming this the summit came into view and the last few scrambly steps brought me to the summit cairn.

This was balanced somewhat precariously on the very edge of the southern side of the summit area. I took a couple of summit shots and then sat around in the stronger sunshine waiting for the others to catch up. Out of the wind it was a very pleasant day.

After the summit we dropped down the broad, though decidely craggy western ridge of Ben Vane just above the feature labelled as Lag Uaine on the OS Map. The descent was very steep on greasy grass but it was possible to pick a way that avoided the worst parts. In places there was a track we followed which took us around the dangerous crags.

In fairly short order we had crossed the floor which forms the head of Gleann Uaine on the north side and were climbing up steep slopes towards Glas-Bhealach between the main summit of Beinn Ime and Beinn Chorranach to the north. The burns shown on the map have carved deep notches between the rocks higher up so I picked a route that took us across them and then up on the left bank from 264094 up to the Bealach.

From this point, after pausing to admire the views west we continued up the very steep slopes of Beinn Ime. This was extremely tough going with a mixture of greasy grass and boulders making progress slow. Only higher up, a few hundred meters from the summit, did a track appear. This was over at the eastern edge taking you just above the crags shown on the OS Map. Once on the track it was slightly easier going until finally the summit came into view.

It was an absolute delight to reach this point. The haze had lifted slightly and we had fabulous views from Ben Lomond in the east, the Cobbler to the South and straight into Glen Kinglas to the west. Ben Vane close by looked glorious and there were people still on its flat summit.

Ben Narnain too looked close but a dinner appointment meant this would have to wait for another day.

We dropped off the summit following a very well worn track on the southern ridge which was broad and very different to the previous terrain. It gave us magnificent views onto Narnain and the Cobbler. Down in the glen we could see the track which would lead us out.

After descending to the Bealach a’ Mhaim we dropped steeply down by the side of a fence which took us down to the very edge of a new plantation of trees. From here we picked up a gravel track on the south side of the Allt-Coiregrogain. Not wishing to continue on to Arrochar though we left this at a point above a ford, dropped through the trees and crossed onto the north side where we picked up the main track back towards Loch Sloy.

At this moment a heavy April shower which had swept up the glen deposited itself upon us and we sought shelter in the trees whilst it passed. Waterproofs on we now had a damp stroll back along the track, passing the various sluice gates and eventually meeting back up with our inward route. Here we met people again including a bunch of campers who didn’t seem impressed with the thunder that was now rumbling over Arrochar.

Ben Vane was caught in the gloom of another shower as we passed once again under the railway line and returned to the car at Inveruglas.

As others have shown after the disaster that was Saturday, Sunday on the east side of Scotland was a beautiful day. Sunshine, blue skies and a frosty nip higher up. This was to be my first expedition in the car so something reasonably close by was selected. Inspired by L111CHT’s interesting route to Clachnaben we headed to the second car park, just by the AA Call Box on the B974 road towards Fettercairn (NO893650).

Booting up in warm sunshine was a great feeling and we were soon walking along the forest track, still boggy from heavy rain in the week, but feeling marvellous fresh and spring like.

The track winds its way through the forest until it drops down to cross the Burn of Greendams via a small bridge.

From here we should have turned left but instead continued on a posted track until we hit the crossroads at NO901641. Here we turned left onto a red cinder track which took us slightly further west until we eventually wound back round to the junction where L111CHT joined the track at NO895635. We now had beautifully clear views up to Clachnaben and Mount Shade.

After crossing a large stile and admiring the view onto a snowcapped Morvern we began the climb up to Airy Muir.

The views back onto the woods were lovely and the fresh wind cooled us down. Further up the track we paused for a bite of lunch.

Above our lunch spot a small path branched away from the vehicle track at NO882617 and dropped into the gulley between us and the heathery slopes of Clachnaben. We took this route and then heather bashed up to a track further up that would eventually lead to the summit tor.

I didn’t take this easy route though and continued up the steep snow covered slopes, pausing occasionally to catch breath and take in the views. Through a dip in the hills Aberdeen came into view.

The views from the summit of Clachnaben were well worth the slog. It was beautiful in every direction with snow-capped peaks unfolding to the west, close by Mt Battock and further off Morvern and the Mounth foothills. To the east the landscape was soaking up the sunshine.

We scrambled up the icy tor to enjoy the views and blow off the cobwebs. There were a couple of other people about but nothing like the usual Clachnaben crowds. This seemed unusual for a sunny Sunday.

From here we enjoyed a brief scramble on the lovely dry granite before going round the base of the tor until we picked up the main highway up from Glendye.

We followed this down a short distance before branching off on the path to Mt Shade. This dropped us into an impressively steep-sided gully before climbing back up to the small summit cairn.

We had lovely views back to Clachnaben and further out across the lush fields of Glen Dye below Kerloch.

From here we picked up a track that took us down onto the summit of Threestane Hill from which we could pick out a point in the woods where a forestry track descended back to the carpark. The only slight obstacle was an (unelectrified) deer fence which we negotiated and then headed down through thick youthful pines and then an area of desolate stumps and deadwood until we hit the track.

It was then simply a pleasant wander back down the various tracks to the car.