Day 3 of our Aviemore holiday and the one good weather day thus far, we’d been avidly checking the forecast both last night and this morning to ensure it hadn’t changed. Things looked relatively good, all the more so in light of a weekend of gales on the mountains, with blustery winds of ‘only’ around … Continue reading Ben Macdui and Cairngorm (and a trip to the community hospital)
Tag: ice axes
Happy New Year: Lochnagar
Having had our charity fundraising day out with Hillgoers / Braemar Mountain Rescue cancelled last week due to Storm Gerrit we’ve been desperate to get out for a hill fix! Watching the forecast it appeared that New Year’s Day was scheduled for a break in what’s been a pretty miserable period so we happily stayed … Continue reading Happy New Year: Lochnagar
Winter’s Here: Creag nan Gabhar
With a perfect looking forecast earlier in the week, for the hills anyway, the decision had been made to head out in favour of running and golfing; Bruce was quietly confident that the winter eclectic would not be going ahead due to the cold snap we’ve had, while I was happy to get out anywhere! … Continue reading Winter’s Here: Creag nan Gabhar
Morrone: Blustery breeze and drifting snow
Having so much enjoyed being out on Hogmanay we decided to have another bash today, initially thinking Balmoral Cairns. Alarms set, we got up and out at a reasonable time and contemplated our destination as we drove out the road. Par for the course, I was just happy to be out and not too bothered … Continue reading Morrone: Blustery breeze and drifting snow
Final Walk of 2022
Today’s plan was Aberdeen parkrun, then probably a local walk and a coffee somewhere. However, in the wee small hours the plan changed to Hazlehead parkrun allowing me an extra bit of time in bed; I’ve become quite accustomed to getting up around 9 am or later! The last change to the plan came when … Continue reading Final Walk of 2022
Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh: Low mileage, quite some effort!
Having felt yesterday to be quite a steep, tough ascent, I reconsidered this opinion on today’s hill. Known as the second munro of the Aonach Eagach ridge, most people do it as part of the ridge walk. Having previously disclosed my dislike of exposure that was never going to happen, and so we found ourselves … Continue reading Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh: Low mileage, quite some effort!
Càrn na Caim and A’Bhuidheanach Bheag: ‘Boring’ hills, beautiful in the winter!
First day of our holiday, we stopped off at Layby 87 (A9) on route to our destination. Unsure how conditions would be following the snow a couple of days ago, we were fully equipped for winter with crampons, ice axes and microspikes, alongside the obligatory spare gloves etc. Suffice to say the pack was heavy! … Continue reading Càrn na Caim and A’Bhuidheanach Bheag: ‘Boring’ hills, beautiful in the winter!
Tyndrum, Days 4-6 (‘Spring’ holiday)
Day 4: Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy Having very much enjoyed the last few days but feeling somewhat tired, I’d resolved last night that today would be a day off. The original plan had been to have breakfast, read my book (Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine) and go for a run along the West Highland … Continue reading Tyndrum, Days 4-6 (‘Spring’ holiday)
‘Spring’ Holiday: Tyndrum, Days 1 – 3
The first instalment of our Spring walking holiday, based in Tyndrum. Snowy tops on the munros made for beautiful scenery (when we weren't fogged in)!








