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.
A spontaneous bothy trip before the predicted thaw set in. Walked into Ruigh Aiteachain bothy from the train station at Kingussie arriving after dark due to train delays. A relaxed start heading up Allt Choire nam Meur following mountain hare tracks up to Lochan nam Bo: deep powder snow and soft slab with bog underneath in places. Hard wallowing as I broke trail: no-one had been up this way yet since the snow had come. The ridge up Druim nam Bo was scoured making for easier going, but the final section to Mullach Clach a Blair called for more trail breaking as did the plateau. It was a relief to reach the caterpillar tracks at Cadha na Coin Duibh. Excellent sunset as I returned to the bothy.
