
Day 1
First night was to be spent in my car (equipped with bed) in the upper car park of the Ski Resort - lessons learned - stay lower next time as the car was rocking throughout by the high winds from the West..!!! I have recognised this as a Winter QMD - plenty of lessons learnt though-out the journey.
1 • Ascent of a significant mountain is included in the day;
Yes - 1245 M altitude of Cairngorms and back down the 1141 back into the ski resort. First time descending Fiacaill Ridge (crampons were fitted for the descent as it was icy on the top section).
2 • Individual takes part in the planning and leadership;
Planned the route using OS online - and used OS-Map and compass on route. This was easy navigation. Life-line activated so family and friends can track me.
Solo hike so made all decisions, also gave details to family of all planned routes with the caveat if I changed any details I would let them know. Called wife at the agreed return time after hike.
3 • navigation skills are required;
Yes - used OS map aligned to ground and land contours to navigate safely throughout hike. Although as I said this was a straight forward route. Cloud did come in but nothing that was in navigational.
4 • knowledge is increased and skills practised;
Crampons and Ice axe were required on higher levels of my recent as it was icy sections. Practised safe and efficient movement over the snow covered terrain using walking poles with snow buckets. Coming off Fiacaill ridge I spent some time practising self-arrest.
5 • attention is paid to safety;
Checked weather forecast before heading out… Checked Avalanche reports for area. MWIS weather report. And Face Book ground conditions. Also checked Winter Climbing Forecast (app). First Aid Kit and 2 man Shelter along with a confidence rope were carried. Gave a copy route map to family. And as already mentioned I had live-line on.
6 • adverse weather and underfoot conditions may be encountered;
Yes, very cold without the correct clothing worn. Snow / Ice at higher levels. High winds from the West blasting across the mountain tops throwing up spindrift but all was ok.
7 • Five hours or more journey time;
Yes, including a short break at the summit of Cairn Gorm.
Area :
The Cairngorms
The Cairngorms are ‘a little piece of the arctic in Scotland’ according to the SMC Munros Guide and the area contains many of the tallest peaks in the East Highlands. Ben Macdui (1309m), Cairn Gorm (1244m) and Braeriach (1296) are probably three of the better known and the whole area is full of steep corries and high plateaux. Access to the mountains is typically from Aviemore or Braemar.