Footprints Across Scotland
Why not make a few of your own!
24th February 2008
A stravaig around the rolling hills of Glen Ey.
River Dee near Inverey
It was only 15 minutes into the walk and it was time to put my waterproofs on, it was going to be one of those days, very changeable. Brisk winds sweeping the clouds from the west were to ensure the weather never really settled but added to the atmosphere of the day. The rain shower eased and sun poked out through the clouds as I continued my way down Glen Ey from Inverey. A yellow tent positioned behind the ruin at Auchelie showed up golden against the grassy hillside.
Auchelie Ruin
After crossing the bridge I headed up the heathery slopes of Creag an Lochchain being treated to a hail shower before gaining the broad north eastern ridge. The going was now on short heather with many scattered rocks, a couple of Ptarmigan appeared white against the grey and green Lichen covered boulders. They paused momentarily before taking flight. Shortly after half a dozen deer watched my approach before leading the way over toward Carn Creagach.
Lichen covered rocks with Cairngorms beyond
The snow cover had drastically reduced over the last few weeks which made it easy to spot the many artic hare's as they loped off as I neared the spot they had been watching me from. Another clutch of ptarmigan took to the wind showing white against the greying skies. The visibility dropped dramatically as a fairly lengthy snow and hail shower passed through on a biting wind.
An Socach, Beinn Lutharn Beg and Mor
But it wasn't long before the sun broke through again showing the main Cairngorm summits to the north. To the south the Glen Shee hills were dusted white by the passing weather systems. A final pull saw me gain the stony summit of Carn Bhac. The cairn at the top gave little shelter from the wind so I decided to press on. Making my way around the rim of Coire Bheairnaist I tucked in behind a couple of rocks on the grassy slopes to have lunch.
Carn Bhac from the west
The wind was now a little behind me as I headed down the ridge that leads to Carn Damhaireach the Top of the battery. The going was a bit boggy in places with quite a few peat hags to negotiate but eased as I approached the top.
Top of the Battery left and Carn Bhac right
Mark and Mathew, the guys staying in the tent, caught up with me as I made my way down the ridge. They had come up from Edinburgh and survived a very windy night without being blown away.
The Battery Top
After the battery top they decided to take a direct route back to their tent heading over the col between Carn Bhithir and Cairn nan Seileach. I dropped down and crossed Alt Cristie Mor, walking alongside the swift running water for a while before stopping to finish my sandwiches and have a cup of tea. The skies had almost cleared of clouds as I returned to the car but the temperature still remained at a chilly 4'C.
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