Bruce, having time off, had planned a quick visit to join me in Aviemore to get a few munros in (Beinn a’ Chlachair, Geal Chàrn & Creag Pitridh) before their access route is potentially disrupted by investigations for a hydro scheme. However, the forecast for his full day looking less than favourable, he came up with an ‘inspired’ idea that he could head over from work and we could walk something late afternoon.
That was great, however my running plan was to get a longer run of around 10 miles in. Communication not being great, my understanding was that I’d be looking at a 14 mile walk. This, in addition to the longest run I’ve done for a while did not bode well so I cut the run short and did just shy of 6 miles, very enjoyable.
I then tried to trick my body into believing it was another day for the walk. This involved eating, a brief lie down, a relaxing bath, then a coffee and millionaires shortbread at the café along the road.
Roadside Pick Up
Having been alerted when Bruce left work and again when closer by, I said I’d wait on the roadside for him to scoop me up as he passed by. Rucksack chucked in the boot, off we went, heading down Glen Feshie, the plan having changed from three munros to one, Sgòr Gaoithe.
Walk Highlands / Google Maps: A Match Made in Heaven
Unlike the last time we were down this way, Google maps allowed us to head right to the car parking area with ease, thanks to Walk Highlands sharing coordinates for the start point. I wonder how many relationships have been saved by this; it certainly beats the arguments in the car over why the ‘navigator’ who’s never been in the area before has no idea where the car park is!
‘Easy’ Munro
As popularity of munros has grown there’s often a question around which are easiest to do. With all mountains, there’s usually a fair bit of ascent so fitness and patience are required to reach the summit. For this one, a very clear path goes all the way from car park to summit on this walk so it’s easy in that regard. However, the elevation was pretty relentless, my recent running and biking felt in the legs as we made our way up (and down).
Going the ‘Wrong’ Way
It was weird starting out later in the day. Meeting lots of people coming off the hill, we were very much heading in the wrong direction. This didn’t detract from it being a great day for walking, enjoying the gorgeous day and beauty of being outdoors.
The path was clear and there were points where the ground was wonderfully bouncy, lovely underfoot on a dry day where rain has been lacking in recent times; however, there is definite potential to be a boggy walk if wet. We chatted away as we made our way gradually up, finally teaching a point where we could see the top.
I went ahead to reach the summit, allowing Bruce to take a photo of me at the top with the loch, the main point of interest that takes this munro from a grassy lump to something of beauty.
In return, I snapped him walking up.
Heading Down: Layers of Hills
Having had a wee rest and a sandwich at the summit, we about turned and headed back the way we’d come, forgoing the option of a circular route in favour of getting down for a beer.
There were good views of surrounding mountains creating layers within the cloud.
Down, down, down we went, grateful of the walking poles to take the strain off the knees. Over the bouncy, dry ground.
Finally reaching the easier going path that would lead us all the way back to the car.
Final Destination: The Old Bridge Inn
Always a favourite for a refreshment at the end of an active day, we landed in the Old Bridge Inn. Our hill urge satisfied, all that remained was to quench our thirst.
Clare, happiest outdoors! 