Carn Liath: First Walk of 2025

Having kept a watchful eye on the weather forecast, Bruce decreed on Thursday morning that Friday looked the most promising day for the hills. The rucksacks were therefore packed with winter kit, prepped and ready to go for the morning.

With some snow having fallen overnight the road from home was a little sketchy, nothing to be concerned about aside from the fact that more snow would usually be lying more further west which made us wonder if conditions would deteriorate. On this occasion it appeared that the city itself had been worst hit, the road conditions getting much better as we headed towards Banchory.

Ballater Bakery

Continuing out the road we stopped in Ballater to pick up lunch from the Coop. On exiting I noticed Bruce gesticulating enthusiastically. It took me a moment to realise that the Ballater Bakery was what he was getting at! A second breakfast ensued – a venison and cranberry pie for him and a steak pie for me.

Inverey to Carn Liath

Suitably fuelled, we hit the road again and headed for Braemar continuing through the village and towards the Linn of Dee to park up at Inverey.

After a short walk along the road we turned onto a landrover track that we then followed for around 5 miles, gradually ascending all the way.

The track followed the Allt Cristie Beag which was flowing pretty fast.

When we finally reached our turn off instead of heading up the path to summit Carn Liath we continued on to find Sergeant Davies stone.

More information on this here:

https://braemarwalkers.blogspot.com/2012/11/walk-65-glen-cristie-sgt-davies-stone.html?m=1

Thereafter, we cut across the hill to join the path up to Carn Liath. Sadly we were rewarded by misty views rather than the usual stunning scenes, however it was great to be out in the hills again.

Wind Chill

It was amazing how much chillier it was at the summit of the hill. Despite not really stopping, I could feel the cold seeping into me! I added another pair of thin gloves to the two pairs I was already wearing.

This helped to keep me cosy although it was only when we’d made our way along to Carn na Moine and begun our descent that I really felt comfortable again.

Descending, we continued to follow a track that steepened as we went. We stuck to the heather at the edge of the track as there were some icy patches to be avoided. We were carrying spikes but the snow until this point had been soft and they weren’t required.

Anyone for a lift?

At the bottom of the steeper section there was a large 4 x 4 vehicle parked. As I hoofed on to catch up with Bruce I exchanged greetings with someone coming back towards it. A little further round we stepped off the path to allow the aforementioned vehicle to pass and the driver kindly offered us a lift down the track. We got out after a time as he was headed uphill again and was unsure how long he’d be, only to reunited at the gate near the road where he kindly offered to save us the walk along the road to our car. We have no shame and were delighted to get back into the vehicle, very grateful to be dropped off at our car.

Last Stop: The Braemar Bothy

Thereafter all that was left was to strip off the waterproofs and head back to Braemar where good coffee and delicious scones awaited at The Bothy.

Happy New Year! Here’s to lots of adventures in 2025!