First snow of winter.

Just back from a wee trip to the highlands where we got onto the first snow of the winter.

We headed up to Symington on Friday night and then left early on Saturday morning for Dalwhinnie from where we climbed The Fara - a Corbett above Loch Ericht. There was a cool north wind and we had several snow showers during day. Snow lay on the ground above about 600m and we had some great views especially on the descent.

The first snow of winter - climbing The Fara.

On the large summit cairn of The Fara - my Corbett 'tick' of the trip.

A light snow shower begins as we get ready to leave the summit.

Clearing skies on the descent.

Fording a burn on the walk out.

From Dalwhinnie we headed to Newtonmore and The Glen Hotel - a Wedding Anniversary treat for Susan.

Sunday dawned bright and cold. We headed west for Glen Spean and Susan's last two Munros in Section 9 - Beinn a' Chaorainn and Beinn Teallach.

A good track allowed us to climb steadily up the first hill of the day and once again we hit snow quite low down. The visibility to the west was excellent and it was great to be back out in the highlands.

A cool north wind kept us moving to stay warm and we made good time onto the second top. From here a wet descent took us back to the car. A great day out.

Susan climbing Beinn a' Chaorainn on a superb day.

Snow covers the summit ridge.

Susan's first Munro 'tick' of the trip.

Great walking on the 3 topped summit ridge.

Climbing Beinn Teallach.

The second Munro of the day.

Starting the descent looking south towards the Easains and Loch Treig.

Another burn to ford at the end of the day.

Autumn in the highlands.

Susan woke up full of the cold on Monday but was determined to get out onto the hill and tick off a Munro we'd had to leave out on a round of Geal Charn and Creag Pitridh a few years ago - Beinn a' Chlachair. It was a frosty morning and the hills looked great as we headed back along the A86 to Loch Laggan. As we had the mountain bikes with us we decided to ride in to Lochan na h-Earba and save 6 miles of walking on landrover track. One climb proved tough for Susan with her cold but we were soon looking out across the Lochan on a beautiful day.

The climb up onto the hill was largely trackless and hard work but once again the views made it worth the effort. The summit ridge was snow covered and  the cold wind kept us moving to keep warm. There were dark clouds out to the west but to the east the snow covered Cairngorm Plateau stood out clearly. A tricky snow covered rocky descent took us off the ridge and on to a stalkers path which took us quickly back to the bikes for a fast descent to the car.

Cycling in to Lochan na h-Earba.

A beautiful morning at Lochan na h-Earba.

On the summit ridge of Beinn a' Chlachair.

Beinn a' Chlachair - Munro number 173 for Susan and 123 second ascents for me.

Looking towards Schiehallion from the summit.

Looking south to Aonach Beag and Geal-Charm.

On the summit ridge looking east towards the snowy Cairngorms.

Descending to the bikes.

Susan enjoying a hot drink below the hill.

Ready for the fast ride out at the end of another great day in the highlands.

Tuesday dawned much better than forecast but Susan wasn't well so we had a quick trip to Aviemore and then headed down the road for a night in Symington before returning to Cumbria.

A great trip north with fantastic weather and excellent accomodation at the Glen - a small great value hotel.(http://www.theglenhotel.co.uk/).