WQMD - Cairn Gorm Circular
Start/Finish: From the SKI Centre.
1 • Synopsis and Ascent of a significant mountain is included in the day;
Planned circular route around Cairn Gorms going up Miadan Creag an Lech-choin over Cairn Lochan ont o Stob Coire an t-Sneachda and then on to Cairn Gorm.
Ascent of a significant mountain:
1215m Cairn Lochan, 1176m Ston Coire an t-Sneachda and 1244m Cairn Gorm.
2 • Individual takes part in the planning and leadership;
Avalanche, Wind, Precipitation, Temperature were checked on:
- Met Office
- SAIS
- MWIS
- Instagram and Facebook were checked to see if there was any updates.
- Route planned on OS Maps.
- Life-line activated so family and friends could track me.
- I made all of the decisions, also gave details to family of all planned routes with the caveat if I changed any plans I would let them know. Called wife at the agreed return time after hike in the car park.
3 • navigation skills are required;
Yes - I used a 1:25K Harvey’s map throughout this route to confirm location, although the weather conditions were good and visibility was clear. It was the first time using a Harvey’s map and thought it would be good practice to use rather than the usual goto OS Maps.
4 • knowledge is increased and skills practised;
Crampons and axe were used ascending the scoured icy surface of Cairn Lochan
Using the Harvey’s maps I found that I enjoyed using the it and found it a lot more easier to interpret and to see features.
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. Gave a copy route map to family. And as already mentioned I had live-line on. I have already wrote about other safety measures I took in the other sections rather than rewrite here. At various key places on my journey I was checking the weather conditions and whether they were as forecasted, the condition of the snow and for any signs of avalanche.
6 • adverse weather and underfoot conditions may be encountered;
Yes, Winter conditions throughout the journey needing crampons and ice axe.
7 • Five hours or more journey time;
Yes, Moving time 5 1/2 hours.
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.
