Last minute diversion to Auchnafree Hill

This had meant to be a trip N for a bothy excursion into the Cairngorm. A bad crash on the A9 had shut it and diversion to Crieff meant that I was seriously considering what to do next. I decided to take in Auchnafree Hill and see how I would feel after it. Well, I couldn't' even drive up to the dam as the road was treacherous so I left the car at the turn off for the Scottish Hydro Office and walked up from there. I decided early on to go in over Coinneachean Hill and I really enjoyed the walk with the Loch on the left and the large cairns scattered over the plateau. The view over to the 'boring' Ben Chonzie looked fab and I cannot for the life of me understand people who call hills 'boring'. It usually extends to their lack of imagination or perfunctory ticking of a box rather than a feeling of liberation one should have every time they step into the wilds of Scotland. But, I am biased. I stopped at the summit for a wee while and enjoyed the peace and silence. I hadn't made a flask but a wee cup of tea at that point would have been the dogs. I did however indulge in my Green and Blacks' chocolate bars - yummy. The return to the car was along the loch this time and not a soul was around. Took me just under 5 hours and rather than head N into what appeared to be inclement weather, I drove home to a warm bed. I must be getting old.

Beinn a Chrulaiste

The weather is doing my nut in. 16 days off from Christmas Eve and only a failed trip with the G5 to show for it. I had originally planned to head NW and follow Collaciotach's excellent trip of Gleouriach but as I drove through Glencoe, the snow started to fall and my doubts set in. I'm determined to take my time and do all of the hills over 2000ft and I'd like to keep the hills with thrills for days that live long in the memory. As such, I re-assessed my options and decided a shortish day on Beinn a Chrualaiste would do especially if I got some nice views across to the Big Shepherd. I parked at the Altnafeadh amongst keen Bookilers and it seemed i'd be on my own today, which suited me fine. The route is very straightforward and occupied a quick morning - I didn't get the knockout views but will be back for a wee wild camp at the 639 cairn in the summer to take in a sunset over the Buachaille. I enjoyed the amble and took my time - I had been told my photos were fine but I could do better - try something more imaginative, she said. I was inspired by Rossco's vopitzer ciabatta (sorry Rossco) and took a pic of my own culinary delight - home made and not bad with a wee cuppy at the summit. I have long laughed at the exorbitant amounts of money that people pay for equipment - well, I am a convert of Rab Primaloft trousers - it felt like both legs were being caressed by duvet lady orifices - a real pleasure to wear them. Can't wait to get back out again.