In the previous post Bruce had one new hip and one awaiting surgery. He’s now been fortunate enough to have had both done and is recovering really well. Perseverance is a great thing, dogged determination to get the physio done regularly, and today we did the first munro together in quite some time!
Loch Muick
Our walk started at Glen Muick, taking us away from our familiar path up Lochnagar and instead around the head of the loch to the rather conveniently placed boathouse, where I stopped to put on my base layer, the slight breeze chilling my arms. I regretted that decision for the remainder of the day as the sun was shining bright and I was too hot!
Glas-allt Shiel
Campers were out at Glas-allt, a couple of tents pitched near the shore. We stopped off for a nosey into the bothy. A mighty fine bothy it was too, immaculately clean and there’s even a guitar available for the evening sing song.
Stulan Falls
With the dry conditions of late the falls were pretty tame. While disappointing to lack the spectacular torrents that a period of rain would produce, the upside was that the surrounding ground was pretty much dry. There was evidence of boggy bits as we climbed but we remained dry and mud free, where usually I’m clarted in dubs with the least hint of a bog!
Creag an Dubh-loch
Dubh Loch itself is a well hidden loch that I’d been unaware of until today. We opted to walk to the far end of the loch, skirting round to reach the summit cairn of Creag an Dubh-loch rather than going up one of the gullies.
The crags around the loch are renowned for their appeal to winter climbers. I’d love to see that in action, although if it’s cold enough for winter climbing I’d probably not want to hang around for too long.
From here we continued a slow, gradual slog to finally reach the main path that follows the route of the five White Mounth munros.
Broad Cairn
Reaching the path, we found ourselves back among civilisation with an increasing number of others around us. We got to the summit at the same time as a guy who was on the final of the five, enjoying a blether with him and another couple who arrived just after us.
Summit done, we began our descent, only to bump into a familiar face, Garry of Hillgoers, as we picked our way through the rough bouldery ground. This section was short-lived and before long we were on a decent path again.
We opted to descend via Corrie Chash and for a time it felt like this path was never ending. Finally reaching Loch Muick once again, we then had the long walk back. How I’d have given anything for a bike! Sadly having set off later than planned there wasn’t even a coffee shop to lure me home! We made it back in the end.
The Verdict
For the most part, type 1 fun. It was great being back out in the hills and wonderful to see Bruce going strong again. Type 2 fun from Corrie Chash to the good Loch Muick path. A bike or shuttle bus would have been good here!
Stunning weather and a lovely day out. Roll on the next one!
Clare, happiest outdoors! 
Looks stunning 😍
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