Mayar and Driesh were the planned hills for today. However, changeable forecasts and the prospect of prolonged heavy rain put paid to this plan. The decision was made to head for Braemar instead, and Carn an Tuirc seemed like a good bet. We’ve done it before, although not during Bruce’s 50 in 150 challenge. It’s short – an easy up and down – and would give the one munro necessary to round things off. It didn’t have to be today, there are still 22 days left, but once the seed is planted there’s no changing his mind.
Parking up, the waterproofs went on straight away. With warm temperatures this made for a rather unpleasant ‘boil in the bag’ feel as we progressed up the hill.
Pit zips opened, trousers vented, drizzle turning to rain; pit zips closed, trouser vents closed. Repeat – and again. You get the picture!
The small track, a little muddy and peaty in bits, took us all the way up to the stony top with relative ease. Rain came on properly as we neared the summit, the mist closed in a little, and as I made Bruce go under my sticks we spotted another couple in the windshelter! Sitting chatting, I became aware that they were all slightly sheltered from the rain while I was getting soaked! Meh!
Returning from the summit, we headed back the way we’d come, in theory at least. Initially we did appear to be on the same path. However, as we progressed we realised it was different, for the better, so we stuck with it. Before long the mist cleared and we could see the road and car parking area.
Continuing to descend we made our way back towards the stream, finding the ascent path. The heavy shower that was forecast arrived and was blessedly fleeting!
Back at the car we had a quick change of footwear before heading to The Bothy for our usual stop. At this point we realised that the rain appeared to have perhaps just touched us as the road back to Braemar was soaked. Result!
So that’s it! Challenge over for Bruce: #50in150 done and dusted. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bruce-russell5
A great effort! (20 for me – not quite in the same league, but not too shoddy!) Maybe a few more to go this year. We’ll keep you posted.
Clare, happiest outdoors! 