CAIRNWELL WEST
From An Socach, Carn Aosda and Cairnwell to right of the Glenshee pass. Photo Colin Matheson
17.0 miles 1580 metres
Start Monday 22.54
Carn Aosda 23.13
The Cairnwell 23.43
Carn a' Gheoidh Tuesday 00.39
An Socach 02.15
Carn Bhac 03.54
Beinn Iutharn Mhor 05.05
Finish 05.32
Squares: green - start, yellow - changeover. Circles summits - green - this leg, purple - to do. Map Colin Matheson
Time: Estimated 5.30 Actual 6.38
Tony writes:
“Does anyone want to swap with my night leg?” I had (hopefully) enquired at the Glenshee car park. 30 hours of diahorea had left me drained. I was not at all surprised when my question was ignored by all and sundry. I almost ended it all when I tripped over a low chain fence right at the start – then I was off ….
Boring, tedious, hard going, tiring and uninspiring. These are but a few of my thoughts as I meandered through this group – group? - hills linked by peat hags and heathery tussocks.
I was really looking forward to doing some good business over this leg, which I think was my longest. It was not to be. My “early morning start” quickly changed into a “night leg” when I realised how quickly the Cairngorms had been done. I had not rested during the day for this one (a pleasant time in Glen Clova drying gear and the contents of the van in a fresh breeze).
When I set off at 11 pm I was anything but fresh. The first 2 summits came quickly (why is Cairnwell always like a building site yet nothing ever seems to get finished?) There was a mild panic here – I had been warned of strong winds and was prepared – or was I? I couldn't find my gloves in the sac but a dry flannel instead. Luckily I didn't need the gloves but managed an early morning wash in Loch nan Eun.
The 3rd summit was in mist and as I proceeded towards An Socach the leg tended to fall apart. Very slow going, plod plod plod – punctuated only by the startled cries of grouse and other birds as I passed by and the echoes of barking deer.
The wind got up on Carn Bhac (at least it had been to bed) and blew the cloud away. The tiring ascent of Beinn Iutharn Mhor was only broken by a colourful lighting display (deep red) on the receding clouds as the sun rose.
I made it to the changeover where Colin and Ian were asleep. The flags were great as I could hardly see the tent at first. I was shattered and had an hour's kip in the tent before having a pleasant cycle ride back to the mothership.
This was always going to be a hard leg which I'd like to have run in daylight in walshes. As it was I didn't have a chance. At least I was pleased with the navigation – spot on.
Peaks done 220 time taken 10 days 2 hours peaks to go 57
There is no charge for reading this account but please consider donating to Worldwide Cancer Research, the new name for the charity that we ran for.
Share this page