As the dictat to 'stay at home' was relaxed to 'stay local', I decided to head up and see my parents who I hadn't seen for months. My mum, in particular, seemed to be suffering from a depression of sorts and so for me, as they had both been double vaccinated I felt justified in heading up and dropping M off with them before I took in this hill. I arrived at the Glen Dye car park at 0830, about 10th in line! So, others had decided to explore and get out and about. I took the path out of the car park and hared along to Miller's Bog, where a stream of people were up ahead. Clachnaben could now be seen, the prominent tor that prompted the now infamous quote "Clachnaben and Bennachie, twa landmarks fae the sea'.
The yomp along the excellent path made for quick going and within the hour, I was up at the Clachnaben tor, which was becoming busy already. The wind at the top was perishing and I really wondered whether I was ready to walk the extra 4 miles out to Mount Battock, and back. However, I was determined to make the most of every trip from now on. I could see my objective away in the distance, and conditions looked dry. I was going for it. 
I passed a couple of guys at the smaller tor further on and said hello; one of the guys with shorts said 'it's f£$king freezing!' - I had to laugh. It was but I was fully clad. I motored on and began to enjoy the solitude. The Land Rover track made for easy walking albeit it was bordering on environmental vandalism. I eventually came across a hut about 3km from the summit and decided to leave my pack here. I had some refreshments and then started a run along the track and up to the summit. I topped out at the trig point and large shelter cairn just as the clag dropped. So, there wasn't much point in taking in the view. Plus, I still had the 13-km walk-out. I ran back to the pack, had a lovely can of San Pellegrino and started my walk out. I enjoyed the walk out, passing many people who all seemed jovial and delighted to be out. After 5 hours of walking, I made it back to the car - pretty good-going for a 26-km day. My Winter training had really put me in a good place physically and mentally. Really enjoyable day.
