Looking the best day of our time in Aviemore we decided to have a big day out, heading for Braeriach. We chose an out and back route, parking at the Sugar Bowl car park which gave us a good bit of height to begin our walk.
Armed with the Walkhighlands route, and of course paper maps and everything else we might conceivably need, we followed a good path that led us down to a sturdy bridge over fast flowing water and then back up to the open moorland.
Bruce spotted a deer fence here and queried whether this might be where the Cairngorm reindeer herd live, knowing they’re ‘roaming free’ and not seeing any purpose of a deer fence aside from this. We were therefore delighted when a wee bit further on we got a distant sighting of the aforementioned herd!
In the opposite direction the sun was breaking out over the Northern Coires.
Through the Chalamain Gap
On the way along the path, Bruce queried whether I’d read the route guide. Given that he’s the master planner of our walks, it came as no surprise that despite having read it I didn’t have much recollection. He told me later that this was a relief as he wondered if I’d refuse to go, put off by the potentially leg breaking Chalamain Gap.
Approaching the gap it didn’t look too intimidating. Initially there was a path visible, however as we progressed it disappeared and it was very much a case of pick your own way through. At this point we stashed our poles in our rucksacks to free up our hands. Bruce went ahead, I followed, sometimes taking the same route over the huge boulders, other times forging my own way. One thing I can definitively say is that I used my bum very effectively (while Bruce didn’t use his at all)! The distance was short but it took around 20 minutes to make our way through safely.
Dropping Down to the Lairig Ghru
After the gap our path descended to the Lairig Ghru. Bruce pointed out a potential alternative route back should I not wish to return via the Chalamain Gap, the option being to head back via the Lairig Ghru, then follow the trails we used to bike through Rothiemurchus to meet him on the road. If this plan was to be actioned I needed to give him the car key ahead of parting ways.
The wind picked up as we descended to the Lairig Ghru. We’d been buffeted at points prior to this, more often sheltered by the higher ground. At this point it was quite strong as a band of rain passed through.
Up Sròn na Lairige
Heading up this top, quite a summit despite not being a munro, topping out at 1184 metres, we really did begin to feel the full force of the wind. According to the forecast, the gusts were around 40 mph and they were less than pleasant, particularly as another band of rain came in.
We debated whether to continue as occasionally we were being blown sideways, conscious to remain away from the crags as the path ascended. Bruce suggested we shelter behind a rock to take a break and see if the wind dropped within the next 10 minutes or so, otherwise we’d bail and return another day. Although disappointing, we were prepared to make this decision.
Fortunately the rain shower passed and the wind did drop a little. Continuing on, we were buffeted at various points but nothing worse than that we’d experienced.
Braeriach: A Double Celebration
Beyond Sròn na Lairige we had to descend slightly before climbing once again.
As before, the wind was blowing quite strongly here, cloud flying through at quite a rate. There was a period of respite before being buffeted once more as we progressed along the plateau to reach the highest point and the summit.
The crags of the gullies loomed large to our left but the path stayed far enough away from the edge to allow us to feel safe. The mist had initially shrouded the summit and we kept going, rising gently, a couple of small cairns ensuring we followed the correct route, remaining away from the edge, before finally reaching the big cairn.
This was a cause for double celebration as it was my 200th munro, and Bruce’s 82nd (of his second round of munros), there being a total of 282 munros in the full round. The maths of this pleased Bruce.
We didn’t linger too long, stopping only for a wee dram from the hip flask and a photo before turning and retracting our steps back down.
An Easier Return
We made good time on the initial descent, finding an easy path back down where before we’d come across bouldery ground. We were buffeted by wind in the same places but it didn’t seem quite so blustery without the rain showers.
As we began the last drop down to the Lairig Ghru, a band of rain came along and followed us up to the Chalamain Gap.
Mind the Gap
I think Bruce was surprised that I actually went back this route. I’ll be honest, I didn’t love it, and did find my knees shaking at points where the rocks were bigger and the gaps were also substantial, not sure if that was the effect of over exertion or adrenaline. Again, I used my bum, occasionally moving from one large boulder to another on my bum with legs and hands only in supporting roles to prevent me falling down any cracks!
Thankfully this took quite a lot of concentration which meant I missed Bruce’s fall! He’d unfortunately lost his footing on a wet rock, legs going from under him, landing on his hip and elbow. His main concern was the hip; it appeared to be okay, so the other bashed bits were forgotten about until we returned home to find that he’d grazed his arm and waist nicely despite the jacket.
Cairngorm Reindeer
Back onto the good path that would lead us all the way to the Sugar Bowl car park, we contemplated the herd of reindeer and the area they inhabit. We were super chuffed to find them casually munching away near the fence, completely unperturbed by our presence.
Leaving them behind, we made the final descent to the bridge, then back up to the welcome sight of the car. Delighted to have managed this challenging day, we look forward to something of a rest tomorrow.
Clare, happiest outdoors! 
Sounds like there was some challenging terrain and weather.
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