Up on MacRainich's rock with Shaz

Creag MacRainich - a nice wee pad, I told Shaz. Great starting point of 300m so only another 510m of ascent from the layby at the head of Glen Ogle. And indeed, it was easy-going until we started heading up through the crags, which has seen recent mini-avalanches. We treaded carefully but Shaz was a little spooked so after we eventually tagged the summit and retreated in the snow, we chose another route which involved post-holing and tweaked knees. Shaz described a leafy, crisp day oiut but the hills had other ideas. We returned to the car, chastened by our 'short' day out but it was fine to get out and 'chill'. We had magnificent views across to Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin, which had a mass of snow. When will Winter ever end?

Up the Sow

On my way to Macduff, I decided to stop off at Dalnaspidal and make a quick ascent of the Sow of Atholl. I had driven past it often enough but today, I'd add it to the collection. It was a cauld wind and I layered up before making my way over the track, bridges and began to the climb over the heathery tussocks. Easy to start off with and a lovely day but the threat of snow was evident and as I got to 600m, it began to blizzard. There were no route-finding problems but I could feel the snow accumulate on my beard and my self-portrait extolled the benefits of having such fuzz during Winter. I touched the summit and returned promptly. As is typical, I was halfway down and the snow stopped and the sun came out. Nice to get out and blow away the cobwebs though and at 2 hours 20, a nice wee jaunt.

Cir Royale

Stunning part of Scotland.