On the hill

Recently I have been watching the hooha over the Ramblers Association and find it in many ways sad but also an indication of the times in which we live. The RA's roots where working class and was considered quite radical for its time. Folks did not have money in the years it was formed; rambling was cheap and there was fairly extensive public transport system, also many people hitched, it was an accepted norm and lifts where often readily available. Remember too, many people still worked five and half day weeks and the annual holidays where the statuary two weeks. Kit was makeshift, there was none of the high tech stuff we have today. A lot was army surplus or old clothing modified for use on the hill; old gabardine macs cut down, suit trousers long past their prime; heavy woolen pullovers, getting wet was the norm, many women still wore skirts, there was no special women's clothing, they had to adapt. Boots where heavy leather and nailed, again, often army surplus because they where reasonably cheap; decent mountain boots where astronomical in price. Tents where canvas and normally leaked, for many, tents where beyond their price range. That is where the close companion to the RA came in, the YHA, basic, simple cheap accommodation. Probably I am showing my age here, however, I can still remember being on the fringes of those times. My first ever boots where a pair of hand me downs and had nails and weighed a ton; when I up graded to vibrams it was something special, my first anorak was a ventile one bought cheap because it was shop soiled; it was murder when it froze, I had an awful job taking it off. The hostels themselves although often basic, sometimes very, where welcomed and well used by the rambling classes. The wardens where often eccentric, a few draconian and one or two mad. Certainly I have encountered a few peculiar ones such as one kilted, heavily bearded guy, complete with dirk and a broadsword that he kept in his office and well remember the Scottish hostels, all self catering, and one provided their own cutlery plate and mug.
In many respects the RA has lost touch with its roots and has become soft and genteel, everything it seems, boils down to being cost effective. Possibly we could argue for a new movement, more radical and out spoken and willing to fight for the rights of outdoor folk. but; cynic that I am, I cannot see it happening. As for me, well, I will wander and ramble as and where my feet may take me, will camp in wild and out of the way spots, leaving no trace of my passing and defy any who may challenge me.

Scuppered

Well, the best laid plans etc,as Rabbie Burns would say. Originally I had plans for an extended trip over July; however, after another trip to see the surgeon those have been scrapped. basically I have to go back in to hospital for yet another fairly minor op next Monday. However, I have been warned that for three or four weeks afterwards things can get rather unpleasant. So thus, July is a no go month for getting away. Hopefully I may get a few days in August, it will be a case of wait and see. Provisionally I did consider a trip this week but with the weather non too good I decided against it.

Night on a bare plateau

upper glen Feshie

Lochan nam Bo

Hare

hare, is there somewhere

above river Eidart

view from camp, river Eidart

cloud inversion

promise of a hot day

sunrise

sunrise

plateau weather

showers

high level camp

mist on the plateau

A stony place

Cairngorm plateau

Looking toward Braeriach

Looking down from Sgor Gaoith

Glen Mharcaidh

Thursday 18th June. Camped GR OS explorer map 403 884043, roughly.

Well, what a day, managed to excel myself totally. After the normal night run up and getting off at Aviemore feeling a Little green around the gills; nipped in to the public loo and did a quick change in to my hill going gear. Needing fluids, it was a case of a cup of coffee and a scone, which was a rip off at some £4. Picked up a few nibbles in Tesco and headed out. Before I started I had been feeling sick and had a pounding headache; just to cap things off an on going bladder problem also flared up. Walked up to Inverdruie in a very heavy rain squall which eased for a short time as I entered the woods. Managed to be sick as I headed over to Loch an Eilein and then got severe stomach cramps as well. By the time I reached the tiny Inshriach bothy I had had to dive in to the woods twice; not a pleasant or easy experience in waterproofs. Took some medication at the bothy and downed plenty of fluids and carried on. My goal was upper Glen Mharcaidh. In theory there is a path all the way up, however, when I have attempted it before I find the first and upper sections but never the bit that cuts around the lower rough ground. This was the case once more and I pushed on more or less direct through thick heather, occasionally following meandering deer tracks and avoiding the worst of the boggy bits. Once up by the bridge I kept to the left hand path knowing of a spot that would give me enough space to camp just before the last of the trees. However, that plan was dashed when I found the spot was now dominated by large a fallen tree. There is little in the way of places to camp on that side of the glen. Finally, needing to stop and knowing that the path is not that often used I pitched on a more or less level, grassy spot right on the path itself. Being tired it will suffice for the night, I am sure no one will fall over me! As yet it is steadily raining; although not the heavy, driving squalls experienced earlier and I am much wearied.

Friday 19th June. Same map. GR 886037.

Today turned out to be a mixed sort of day. The overnight rain eased off early this morning. It was not the earliest of starts but I was in no rush. The ongoing path can be a tad indistinct in one or two places. There are two that head off up the hill, the one that continues on across the hill needs a careful eye kept on it. There is in fact a couple of paths and the lower of the two leads in to bog which I found out the first time I ever came this way. The path proper is in fact higher up the hill. Coming across one of the burns which was fairly high with all the earlier rain, I managed to slip and fall in. No injuries except for scrapes and bruises; however, I did lose my glasses, fortunately I carry spares. Higher up I crossed over to join the other path which leads up to the bealach below Meall Buidhe. Wandered up towards the top but showers of sleet and hail harried me and rather than press on I turned back although there are a few spots to camp once over the hill and down to the next bealach. However, having run out of steam and feeling a little chilly my footsteps led me back down the hill. There is place by the remains of the old hut just below the bealach that offers a nice spot but water is only available further down the hill. Another spot a bit lower is by a small pool, however the area is tiny and the ground was saturated. Following the other, more defined path, I came down lower to the spot where I am now camped. A lovely place for a wild camp with a few old pine trees for company; who could ask for more? The wind has picked up a bit and is driving showers from the west before it. To be honest I am a little concerned, much of last night was spent popping in out of the tent answering the call of nature; tedious and annoying. As yet the problem continues despite of the fact that I am continually drinking water, which is a necessity.

Saturday 20th June. Same place.

woke early to the gentle patter of light rain on the tent; when I nipped out thick, dark blue/black clouds where covering the tops. It was an easy call really and I snuggled back down in the sleeping bag deciding to rest up for a day. Most of the day was spent pottering. By early afternoon the sun had come out and a breeze was keeping the midges at bay. It was an opportunity to get things dry as well; even my boots are almost dry, yeeha!

Sunday. 21stJune. Same map, camped GR 910959.

A much better day, what little cloud there was brushed only the highest tops. The early hours of the morning had been chilly enough for me to throw my jacket over the sleeping bag. There was promise of a good day though and I was eager to be on my way. One more following the path up to Meall Buidhe the initial pull up the path up was warm enough to see me walking in just my light thermal base layer. This time I carried on over the two bare, rocky tops, dropped to the bealach and then climbed directly up to the main ridge. That was a fairly hard push up and I took it slow. One on the ridge though, it is an easy stroll up to Sgor Gaoith with spectacular views down into Loch Eanaich.. There is little to hinder the wind on the high tops and it sweeps across unchecked, making things feel distinctly chilly. My maternity smock in the guise of light windproof was rapidly donned. Lunch was a hurried affair, huddled low behind a small rock for a smidgen of shelter. Passing over Carn Ban Mor, I barely paused, the top has little to offer as such, a cairn and a vista of rock. Although still quite early, my intention was not to camp late, having it in mind to take things fairly easy. Also, the plateau is not a place to be hurried through, it needs to savoured and explored, time is required to get the full flavour of these high places. Showers of rain, wet enough to warrant the waterproofs, scudded across in the afternoon. Coming down to the track I swung left and followed it to its end and then wandered a bit further up the hill. Finding a pleasant little spot with panoramic views and a busy, bustling burn what more could a body ask for?

Monday 22nd June. Camped.same map, GR 908929

As normal I woke early and had to nip out which was chilly and damp; Thick cloud and drizzle swirled around the tent. Took the hill walkers normal and standard procedure of making a brew and returning to the sleeping bag for another hour's doze. Gradually the clag lifted, originally I had been considering nipping over to Beinn Bhrottain, but I dithered a bit and eventually decided on an easier option. Mullach Clach a Bhlair was a Munro that I had never bothered with before and so I opted for a wander in that direction. Walked over to a small top only marked as 937 on the map and then back to the track for a short spell and then back on to the moss. Keeping to a general direction and avoiding the boggy bits and gullies where possible I fetched up on Mullach Clach a Bhlair. It was an uninspiring little lump although I suppose for the ardent Munro bagger it must be one of the easiest. Heading easterly and generally following the line of the track I meandered over Diollaid Coire Eindert and back across a cairn only marked as such on the map and a spot height of 974. On the plateau height has little significance as such; it is a wide open place riven in places by deep gullies and corries. Bands of thick clouds had been moving across all day; occasionally they had brought a smattering of rain but had posed no real problem. Coming over to Cluas na Creige I found the most awesome place for a wild camp. Rain was falling heavy enough for me to need the waterproofs as I put the tent up, but I did not care, the views where stunning , the pitch was comfy and I was content to laze in the front of the tent in peace and quiet. The showers that where passing through where not heavy driving rain and it was fine to leave the whole of the front of the tent open. One thing that strikes me and that is the clarity of the water, normally the water from burns up on the hill is often brown with peat, high up here though there is no peat and the water filters through the granite leaving it clear.

Tuesday June 24th. Ruig Aiteachain Bothy in upper Glen Feshie.

Something woke me during the night, it took a moment to realise what had made me wake with a start. Silence, utter quietude, there was not a sound accept for the pounding of my own heartbeat. No deer talk, no wind or breeze, no tinkling of water, absolutely nothing and I lay still hardly daring to breath; it may sound strange but there was something that was near deafening in that silence, it almost spooked me and I lay still rather awestruck and feeling quite emotional, eventually I drifted back in to sleep.When I woke again, the early dawn light was just brushing the eastern horizon and it was something special to to lay in the sleeping bag with the whole of the tent wide open and watch the birth of a new day. Reaching for the camera I attempted to photo the fiery sunrise as the sun rose framed beautifully by two tops over towards Cairn Toul; photos though do very little justice to the beauty of that moment. A cloud inversion had me reaching for the camera yet again. Unable to settle back to sleep, I stretched out in front of the tent for a mug of tea and an early breakfast. One advantage of being up high is that it appears to be above the midge line. There was a strong temptation to remain up there for another night, however, it would entail a long push out tomorrow. Taking my time I wandered around the rocks of Cluas na Creige, gazing down at the river Eidart far below; even from up high the noise of the river was quite audible. Packing up I walked around the rim of Coire Mharconaich, a great scoop out of the hillside. Went as far as Cnap nan Laogh and then turned west once more. Deer grazed all around, moving off in a that brown, fluid, flowing movement that deer have when on the move. Coming by a small rocky outcrop, I was content to sit down for a while and just gaze about me. Yet another group of hinds had seen me, the matriarch giving her warning bark; heads came up, wary, however, as I settled back against a rock they cautiously began grazing once more, content to allow me to remain close by. Although the day was still quite early, already a heat haze was shimmering off the ground; it was obvious that the day was going to be hot. The chink of stones being disturbed on the other side of the rocks alerted me to the presence of something. Freezing, I tried to just swivel my head to see what it was, at the same moment a hind peered around the corner. She gave a startled bark as our eyes met and then sprang away, pausing for a moment to look back at me. Sitting absolutely still I waited to see what she would do. Obviously curious, she took a few tentative steps back toward me and then ambled off. Surprisingly the group of deer close by had observed this interchange but remained unfazed. With the heat of the day steadily building I knew I had to move on and reluctantly got to my feet and once more made my way across the plateau. There is no heather up in those regions, only mosses, tundra and rock. Ptarmigan where numerous , scuttling off whenever I approached too close; their long necks give them an almost reptilian look. Large numbers of dotterel where present too and snow buntings; very trusting busy hopping around my feet when I stopped for a quick break. Coming back over Bhlair I headed down over Druim nam Bo. A slight movement by a cairn caught my eye, a rock with pointy ears? It was a hare and I was surprised to to see how close it allowed me to approach. Black grouse startled me as they exploded from almost under my feet; taking off with their mad cackling and cries of 'go back, go back', crazy birds. The surrounding scenery was stunning but by the time I reached Lochan nam Bo I was feeling a tad dwam and was glad to rest for a few moments and replenish much needed water. A lovely spot for a wild camp, something I have filed away in the back of my mind. According to the map there is a regular stalkers path a little further down. My advice would be to forget it and stick to a track made by the estate's all terrain buggies. The zig zags where obscure in places and once in the trees it was a wearisome task attempting to find the faint semblance of any path. It was still quite early in the afternoon when I reached the bothy but I was glad to stop. Wandering over to the river, I slipped my boots off and still dressed in shorts and top, sat down in the cool water; the heat of the sun soon had me dry again.The upper glen is showing signs of good regeneration many young trees, especially Scots pine and juniper are much in evidence. Bird life is much more prominent, crested tit, wrens, finches and so on. Bumble bees droned their way from plant to plant, ants scurried in frenetic haste among the fallen needles. There was no one else in the bothy, my worry was that it may have been taken over by one of the many groups that frequent the area. My preference would have been for the tent but because I am heading out in the morning I opted for the bothy for convenience.

Wednesday 25th June.

Woke this morning to some thick cloud drifting over the tops but it was still warm. Someone had come in late yesterday evening and had slept in the other room. Sleep had been difficult for me, I had felt shut in by the bothy and the hard platform was not that comfortable. Managed to make a pint of tea and cook a bit of porridge on the last of the gas, also made sure I drank a couple pints of water before starting out. It was a case of having to head for Aviemore to catch the night bus back south. As I headed down the glen the cloud cleared and it was obvious the day was going to become a hot one. With a good few miles to cover and the heat it was a case of picking the simplest route. Thus I headed down toward Achlean and continued on toward Feshie Bridge before heading off through the forestry to Loch Gamhna. The heat was relentless and there was little shade from it on my route. Wherever possible I continually topped up my water supply and kept drinking. Stopping for a break on the way under a nice shady tree, I found that a kit kat I had been carrying had totally melted. Do not carry chocolate in hot weather, it is messy, very. By the time I was over by Loch an Eilein I was running on auto pilot metronome like, placing one foot in front of the other and keeping on the move. Nipping in to the visitor centre at Inverdruie for a couple of cold drinks,tired, sweaty and a tad dishevelled, I overheard a small girl saying to her mum, "Wow mummy, look at that lady, she looks like a really wild woman!" Yep, that is me, mad, bad and dangerous. It was noticeable as I walked in to Aviemore that the tarmac on the road was very soft from the heat. The day had not been the easiest with a distance covered of some fifteen miles. A few more cold drinks in Aviemore and deep joy, the shower in the public loo was open. Utter bliss, a refreshing shower and clean clothes to put on. Once I had recovered a bit I wandered in to the local chippie for fish and chips. Noticing someone buying a a glass of something very cold looking I asked the chap serving me, "What is that?" He grinned, "Ice crush ma'am." So I asked him for one. "Blue or red?" "Oh I'll have one of each please." it is now the long haul back south.

Gear carried. Osprey Atmos 50 ltre. Tent Golite Shangri 1 and inner nest and tent pegs. Western mountaineering light sleeping bag and a four and half ounce Bozeman bivi bag.. Thermarest prolite three. trekking poles Varga gas stove and primus windshield. One 350 gas cylinder, it was enough, just. Food for six days, heat in the bag main meals. Some where awful, especially a chicken and veg mix. Tea bags, powdered milk, drinking chocolate sachets and cup a soups, porridge mix, mainly the sachet type, all thrown in to one poly bag, a spoon and pot grab. A one pint titanium mug which I used as my main mug for boiling water in, a titanium dish for cooking porridge and occasionally washing in. Matches and in my emergency kit I carry a striker in case the matches get damp. Nibbles, kit kats, a block of cheese, I should have grabbed some pitta bread but for reasons unknown I picked up tortilla wraps, they are non too good uncooked. Water, picked up when I stopped for the day was in a 3ltre ortleb water bag. Slightly heavier than the platty but have a couple of them leak I prefer the ruggedness of the ortleb. First aid kit and small emergency kit, which includes the striker and 2 tampons which make excellent fire starters, saftey pins, button compass and some basic sewing stuff and duct tape and spare dyneema cord. Clothing wise, I travel in summer in a very light travel skirt, for on the hill I have an old pair of craghoppers very trousers, they are now becoming a little frayed at the edges and travel stained. Also carried are my shorts. A very light smartwool t shirt, a tank top and light t shirt for travelling back in. Spare pair of socks and light travel shoes, boots where my old scarpa midis, they need to be replaced but it a question of cost, smart wool socks on my feet. 2 sets of underwear, in winter I use a couple of sports bras but find them too warm in summer. This time I used 2 Sloggi very light, non wired bras. Undies, 2 pairs of light Rohans, easy to rinse out and rapidly drying. Wash kit and another kit of personal bits I need to carry, which, because I need to spend the best part of an hour doing nothing, warrants carrying a book. Camera, Nikon Coolpix, I want to upgrade but it is cost. Map, compass and whistle, knife, my old Opinel, slightly heavier than some but it has travelled many miles with me over the years. jacket, a paramo soft shell reversible,a Montane wind shirt which I liken to a maternity top, it is too big for me but tucks in nicely under the hip belt, also carried a light mountain Hardware fleece waistcoat, not really needed. Waterproofs, Berghaus paclite trousers, excellent, they have been much used and abused, Rab Neutrino jacket, and ankle gaiters to keep trouser bottoms from the mud etc. Buff and sun hat. Spare gloves and glasses, petzel head torch.Small toilet kit, trowel, plastic, cut down, hand gel, paper and lighter All the usual assortment of poli bags, essential equipment. An intial overall weight of roughly 27/28lb, 11 kilo

tinkering

With medical problems, hospital appointments etc, time on the hill has been a little bit absent. Thus out of sheer boredom I have been rummaging through kit, sorting out, cleaning and ear marking a couple of bits to pass on to some lucky person.

One of the odd bits of my variety of kit are a couple of antique stoves. Petrol ones, the Optimus one third of a pint jobby is an old favourite. Ok, I know I am showing my age but at one time small petrol and paraffin stoves where de rigour for all serious hill going folk. The paraffin stoves needed priming, the fuel got everywhere and stank and could be a faff. The upside was that they where safe to use; or at least, safer, they did flare up and singed eyebrows at least where not too uncommon The petrol, at least the Optimus models, where a lot simpler to use, fill the tank, open the valve and after a few splutters the beast began to roar. petrol is a volatile liquid though, although I never had any problems stories abounded of folk who had stoves blow up. Getting fuel could be interesting. Nowadays it may prove difficult to walk in to a garage and buy a pint of petrol. However, at one time it was quite normal and I have done it a few times. The other stove is an oddity and not something I have used much. It goes by the name of Stesco, (no, not Tesco,) it is an American make and is another petrol burner. Anyway, I have had them out on the draining board and fired them both up and they still work just as efficiently as ever. Maybe I will start collecting a few of these beasts; as it is, I am thinking of adding a paraffin one to the collection. Anyone out there who has any old stoves, I would be interested.

Cairngorm return

Cairngorms
Looking toward Braeriac

Thursday 9th April. Camped OS map Explorer 403 GR 929061.

Travelled up on the night coach trying to be ahead of the Easter rush. As it was things where still busy with the service I was travelling having two extra duplicate buses. Road works, accidents and diversions saw us arriving in Aviemore some three quarters of an hour late. Tired from lack of sleep, stiff from the long hours of travelling, I was not feeling my best. Medical problems probably where not helping either. Nipped in to the local chippy, (the half decent one) for a bite to eat and a cuppa or two. Not that I was hungry, it was more a case of needing to get some fluids and food in me before starting out; it sounds awful when eating and drinking is just a mechanical affair, out of necessity rather than enjoyment. The rucksack felt heavy and lumpen as I headed out of Aviemore. My route was an old familiar one and I was content to just shuffle along with the brain half in neutral. My goal was an easy one, Glen Eanaich; there are one or two lovely places among the trees which are splendid for wild camping. Pick the right spot and one can be discreetly hidden away out of sight of the track that heads up through glen. At the moment a strong wind is creating an almighty rumpus among the trees. There is a great roaring, trees bending and swaying, creaking and groaning; twigs and bits of debris being hurled in all directions; nature creating a right rumpus.. This meant I had to be a bit circumspect in where I pitched; it would not be good to have a lump of branch fall on top of me.

Friday 10th April. Same spot as previous night.

Strong winds and rain during the night, quite a few substantial sized branches brought down too. By morning all was calming down. Woke late and still felt off colour and therefore declared a rest day. Thick cloud was scudding across the higher tops and I was content to just to have a wander. heavy rain at one point drove me back to the tent but it was only passing showers.

Saturday11th April camped GR 930058

Sometimes the best laid plans go askew and things turn pear shape. My original intention had been to head up Glen Eanaich and then swing off up to Coire Dhondail.The morning was not too bad, chilly but dry. There are few suitable places to camp in the upper reaches of the glen; hence my intention of going higher. A stalkers path winds its way up through to the corry. In many places though it was deeply buried under substantial snow banks that remained on the steep hillside. Not really difficult to cross, just needing a bit of care and concentration. Just before the corry I suddenly realised that I was moving very slowly, really sluggish. Odd really, one moment I was plodding along fine and then suddenly I hit the wall, my legs just not wanting function. Following doctors orders I had been drinking plenty and had been snacking as normal but for whatever reasons my energy levels went through the floor. Finding a sheltered spot among the boulders that litter the whole of the corry, I settled down and had a twenty minute break. Coire Dhondail is an impressive place; a great glacial scoop gouged out of the side of the surrounding hills. Steep and stern rock walls, boulders littering the corry floor; a great tumbling waterfall. My original intention had been to camp up there and continue over the plateau and drop down to the Lairig the following day. What was not boulder covered was running with rivulets of melt water. Getting a place to put the tent would have been difficult. After getting myself together I explored among the boulder field and under the great head walls and inched up and across a massive snow bank towards the actual top. With no real option of keeping to my earlier plan there was little choice but to head down again; a very frustrating and difficult decision. The problem being acerbated by the fact that I would have to return a fair way back down Glen Eanaich to find a spot to camp. The walk down the glen track can be a long and wearisome plod of a few miles. By the time I found somewhere to camp and got myself sorted it was almost five and I felt exhausted.

Sunday, 12th April, camped same spot.

An easy day, a roe deer barking outside the tent woke me in the early hours of the morning. There is a regular series of deer tracks all around. Dozed off again and after yesterday I decided to do something easy today. Heading back up the glen I turned off and walked up to Carn a' Phris-ghiubhais. Ok, it is only a tiny little hill but it was pleasant walking; the sun was warm even if the breeze was cold. Saw some little lizards, possibly skinks, they scuttled off too quickly though to have a decent look at them. Sat for a while in a tiny little wall of rock on the top just admiring the surrounding views. Given the right weather conditions there is some lovely walking to be had up there.It also offers some great alternative ways up on to the Braeriach plateau and also a different way of walking over to the Lairig. Good too for some high level wild camping. Clouds drifting lazily across the sky, some a dirty grey but the majority great white fluffy balls of cotton wool type clouds. Dropping off the back of the hill I ambled over toward Coire Beanaidh and then followed the burn down. Much snow lingered in the high corries and drifts still clung to the sides of the burn. Heading back to the tent I saw a frog in the middle of the track; wanting a closer at her I got down on my hands and knees and attempted a couple of photos. it was as I was doing this that a couple came strolling along the track. Pointing the frog out to them they too where soon down on their hands and knees. Worried for the frogs welfare I removed it to a nice shady damp spot. A pleasant, lazy day. There was frost on the tent this morning and the temperature is dropping this evening.

Monday 13th April. Same camp.

A heavier frost this morning. It is surprising how quickly wildlife seem to accept your presence; the roe deer where once more grazing close to the tent early this morning. Instead of the barking and foot stamping of the previous morning there was just a half hearted bark. The sky was clear and the sun was shining. Whatever happened I was determined to get out there and something on the hill. Followed the broad shoulder up to Cadha Mor and on up to Creag Dhubh and across to the Argyle stone. The sun was shining but the wind was bitter; extra layers, hats and gloves. Not moving too badly I pushed on following the ridge line up toward Sgoran Dhubh Mor. Stunning views in all directions; a time to linger and soak it all in. Crossing a couple of wide snow banks not far from the top I knew my energy levels where starting to seriously flag. Just about by the summit cairn I called it quits and fled back down to the rocks by Sgorran Dhubh Beag. Out of the wind I stretched on a nice soft mossy patch for a break. A small group of people coming down came over to see if I was ok. They where a little non plussed that I was not going to push on and bag Sgor Gaoith, which is a munro. Why though? I had had a good day out, done a non too bad a walk, why push myself to extremes just to do a munro? As it was there was still a fairish walk back to the tent. As I was heading back I saw my second eagle of the day. Like the first one, this one was also quartering the high tops. They make their flight seem so effortless, riding gracefully on the air currents. Saw ptarmigan too, they where predominantly still in winter plumage. Once back by the Argyle stone I dropped off the ridge to head back down in to the glen. It is a long and fairly steep descent through tangled heather hidden boulders; made longer to me angling across the hill as I descended. That was quite deliberate, the floor of the glen is a wet and boggy place and my aim was to miss the worst of it. Today has been long and a tad difficult. What concerns me is my hill going ability; on this trip it has been sadly lacking. Tomorrow I shall be heading out to the flesh pots of Aviemore. At least there is a public loo where I can get a shower and change in to fresh, clean clothes. After that it will be the heady, exotic delight of a fish supper in the local chippy. In all probability I shall just potter about and then head out in the early afternoon.

Tuesday 14 April.

Well Aviemore has done it once more. As intended just pottered in the morning, allowing the ice on the tent to dry off. Packed up and took a gentle stroll out in the afternoon in glorious sunshine. Horrors, the one and only public loo in Aviemore was closed. This saw me heading in to Tesco and using the loo there to get cleaned up a wee bit and changed; it was just as well I had a few baby wipes with me. They are a poor substitute for a shower though.

Easter

With Easter looming large on the horizon my one aim is to decamp and head for the hills. With yet another hike in rail fares there was no way I could afford train travel. To my annoyance and surprise even coach fares have substantially risen. My coach ticket has cost me an extra four pounds in comparison to the same journey I did earlier in the year.
For convenience it will be the Cairngorms once more. My aim is to avoid the main routes and head in to some of the more obscure corries and explore some of the hidden gems of the Cairngorm area. April in those regions can still be in the grip of winter. Looking at the current mountain weather information, there is still snow high up with snow showers possible. Over the easter week thing are looking unsettled so I shall just have to play it by ear. My light ice axe will be taken, even if it looks daft carrying it. Also, rather than take full crampons, my little used Katoolas will be in the rucksack.
On a slightly different note, I have bookmarked an interesting website. Trail Testers, http://www.trailtesters.co.uk/. They actually have nothing to do with with trail magazine. They are a small, independant group of people who trial gear and film it in action, as it where, which is then posted out on U tube. From the information I have picked up they will be going live on the 20th of April. Currently I have heard they have been trialling the new SATMAP gps system, the New Zealand based Aarn Natural Balance pack, the spot system and several other goodies. One of the North Face tents is also featured. Http://www.trailtesters.co.uk/tnffortess23.htms. Outdoor Magic mentioned the Aarn pack a while back and then everything went silent. It is an intersting concept and I shall be watching with interest. It makes a change for a small independant group to be gear testing so all you gear freaks out there you have yet another slant on all those shiny goodies that we regularly drool over.

Questions and answers

Over the last week I was in the depths of Wales.There are a few folk I know in various parts of Wales, these people though wish to remain anonymous and in respect of their privacy I remain vague as to where I actually was and with some details. It was a chance to pick up again on some of my old gardening skills, doing a spot of digging, weeding and helping set up a poly tunnel. If I am to do more of the same I really must invest in gardening gloves, having broken three finger nails. It was a welcome change to be out in the country once again. Lambing time was in full swing, the cry of young lambs echoing across the fields. Trees where in bud, as where the daffodils. Birds clustered around bird feeders, feeding hungrily building up strength before starting rearing their young. Early bumble bees where out and about too.

It was a pleasure too to be allowed to feed the horses and livestock. A heavily pregnant mare having a mad canter across the field, hooves drumming, tail and head high, just for the joy of it, spring fever.

We went for walks around the local area enjoying some unusually warm spring weather. over the week I was staying in a caravan and sharing delicious meals in the main house. In my attempts to move from the London area, caravans have been one alternative I have considered. At least now I have some idea of the size I would require. Insulating and providing heating could pose problems; although with heating a wood burning stove could be the answer there. The cost of actually siting a caravan could prove expensive. Electricity is not a worry, enough could be provided from a small wind turbine. As someone who uses the net quite frequently I could foresee problems in that direction. yes, I know there are wi fi connections and the like but they are not available in all areas; satellite hook ups are prohibitively expensive and beyond my price range. it has been surprising how difficult it is to actually rent a cheap property in rural areas. Predominately though I have been focusing on Scotland.

We managed to get out and head up to the Berwyns and have a walk up and around the Pistyll Rhaeadr falls. Good weather had brought scores of people out for the day and the footpaths where busy. The weather through the week had been very good and it was not until Monday that it changed to colder, wet and blustery conditions.