Leading the same guys on a linear walk from Spittal of Glenshee to Inverey. Not surprisingly after the big circuit of the day previously the group had reduced in number to 6. A bit of planning the evening before turned out well and cars and people were arranged extremely efficiently to enable us to have cars to return to at Inverey and everyone ready to go from the Spittal of Glenshee on time.
- individual takes part in the planning and Leadership. Again I'd planned the route and led it. Slightly off piste.
- navigation skills are required away from marked paths. A few sections where we were joining up different routes needed a bit of nav. Also some route choice more than full on bearing and compass point.
- experience in UK and Irish hills
- knowledge is increased and skills practised. I was tired but I still had a keen group wanting to do a big day. Keeping professional and motivated proved a bit learning area. Dealing with a tired group losing steam at the end. I also got to practice some assisting while crossing several rivers. The normal route up glas tulaichean has been diverted slightly which was unexpected. But good to practice getting folk over larger rivers (well, the same river but the path meandered. Good stepping stones at the ford's but intimidating for the less experienced).
- attention is paid to safety. Especially descending steep sections off piste, getting through peat hags, stopping folks going to take pictures on cornices!!!!, dealing with sore knees etc.
- five hours or more journey time. 9.5h in total.
- adverse conditions may be encountered. Heat and dehydration being the adverse conditions. There was a stronger wind which meant repeated changing of coats. So I did a lot of leading by example in layering up near summits etc.
- ascent of a substantial peak would normally be included in the day. 3 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).
