Highland mini break.

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After our last day on the hill I had a week off work with the flu. I was still not feeling 100% at the weekend but on the Sunday we drove up to Symington as we had a mini break booked in Aviemore staying in a High Range Lodge Chalet. http://www.highrange.co.uk/chalets
We drove north on Monday planning to do what we could given that the forecast was for strong winds and wintry showers. We checked into our excellent chalet just before 1pm and, once unpacked, headed out on the mountain bikes. We followed a favourite route through the Rothiemurchus forest to Glenmore. The trails were largely dry but it was bitterly cold and as we approached Loch Morlich snow and ice blocked several sections of the route forcing us to walk. This slowed us down and we decided that the best route down was to follow the road. The traffic was heavy as skiers headed back into town and at times sleet fell making the going unpleasant. Despite this we enjoyed our first ride of 2015.

Heading into the Rothiemurchus Forest.


A happy cyclist!!




Susan at the Cairngorm Club Footbridge waiting for her bike to be carried over.


Pushing Susan's bike over the bridge.


The lower trails were in great condition.


Higher up snow and ice forced us to walk several sections.


Tuesday's forecast was for low cloud, wintry showers and 40 to 50 mph winds so we decided on the wee Corbett behind Glenmore - Meall a' Bhuachaille. Our route took us first to Ryvoan Bothy and then up the steep east ridge of the hill. Initially there were some sunny intervals but the cloud built as we climbed higher and there were no summit views. It was bitterly cold in the strong wind but we decided to extend the route by climbing Creagan Gorm before dropping back to Glenmore. We passed several ascending groups including one couple wearing shorts!!!!

Approaching Ryvoan Bothy.


Taking a break in the bothy.


Climbing the east ridge in sunshine.


The cloud base dropped as we climbed higher and the wind picked up.


Hard and cold going into the wind.


The new top of Creagan Gorm.



Wednesday was forecast to be even windier (50 to 60 mph) so we decided to take the bikes out for a longer spin. We made the route up as we went along mixing sections of road and trail. Eventually we covered 30.5 miles and stayed dry throughout. Again great to be out on the bikes.

Near Loch an Eilein.


Riding the Rothiemurchus Trails.






Enjoying some sunshine in the forest.


Abernethy Forest trails near Boat of Garten.




As the wind was due to drop a little on Thursday we decided to climb another wee Corbett - Geal-charn Mor - a first for Susan. This proved to be  a good choice as we were blessed with some sunshine and views. There was quite a bit of snow higher up including some neve on the final section from the summit of the Burma Road to the Trig Point. As we got back to the Chalet by lunch time we decided to go for another bike ride in the afternoon. We followed the Speyside Way to Boat of Garten and then headed back to Coylumbridge and Aviemore via the Route 7 Cycle Route. The weather changed very quickly and we completed most of the 15 mile route in the rain!!!

Heading up the Burma Road.


Blue sky and snow near the summit of the Burma Road.


Cloud covered the Cairngorm range.


Great conditions on the final slopes to the Trig Point.






On the summit of Geal-charn Mor - my second ascent.


Heading down - a beautiful morning in the highlands.




Friday was our last day and as the wind was forecast to drop we just had to climb a Munro before heading down the road. The easiest one nearby was Sgor Gaoith in Glen Feshie so it was an obvious choice. This was to be our 4th ascent and I hoped for my first view from the summit. The day started bright but the cloud base dropped as we climbed and we had to navigate to the top in near whiteout conditions. It was very cold and icy underfoot so we were glad to have the microspikes and belay jackets to wear. 
We were back to the car in 4hrs 30min and then headed down to Symington where we stayed on Friday night before heading to Cumbria on Saturday.

Susan making porridge on the final morning.


Leaving our superb and well named chalet.


On the lower slopes of Sgor Gaoith.




No view again on the cold summit.


Brighter skies on the descent to Glen Feshie.


In Glen Feshie.


A very relaxing and enjoyable highland break - they take some beating.

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