Leading a group of guys from a walking club. All with varying levels of ability.
Classic circuit of the white mounth from Spittal of Glen Muick Car park with Lochnagar first ending on Broad cairn.
- the individual takes part in the planning and Leadership. There were 10 people in the group excluding me. The actual leadership skills were around keeping folks safe and together over a few tougher sections and enthused on such an epic circuit.
- navigation skills are required away from marked paths. We took a few detours off piste mainly as they were really enthusiastic to explore. Especially large snow banks. We had not brought winter kit. It was baking hot and only easily avoidable banks of snow but these proved popular. I didn't mind demonstrating kicking steps and the idea of rotating round. Some couldn't step kick due to their footwear. No significant consequence of a slip. I had to relocate a few times to get us back onto the main route which gave me chance to do a bit of nav.
- experience was in UK and Irish hills
- knowledge is increased and skills practised. This was a warm day but nice to bring in some WML and SML skills. Mainly keeping such a large group together was the most interesting. Naturally the fast and slow separated early on so it was around keeping a fun and relaxed atmosphere, keeping people motivated (especially toward the end) and ensuring food/water levels were maintained.
- attention is paid to safety. Especially on some steeper or rockier sections akin to steep ground. Also on snow banks providing advice, demonstration, assistance.
- five hours or more journey time (9 hours exactly)
- adverse conditions may be encountered. Mainly the heat with a gentle breeze proved the challenge for many.
- ascent of a substantial peak would normally be included in the day. 5 Munros.
Area :
Braemar to Montrose (Lochnagar)
Listed in the SMC Munros Guide as ‘The East Mounth: Glen Shee to Mount Keen’, this area includes all of the peaks to the south and east of the A93. Still part of the Cairngorms National Park, these mountains are home to the north facing crags on Lochnagar (1155m) and the most easterly Munro, Mount Keen (939m).
