My week at Braemar with my friends from MAC (Mountain Activities Club) was most enjoyable as always. I had a fairly relaxed week and although I got out every day I only had three real mountain days.
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“The snow made things interesting at the beginning of the week…”
The high spot was on Sunday when Tricky completed his Corbetts, (the 221 mountains over 2500ft), having already climbed the 282 Munros.
Tricky’s last Corbett
My tally for the week was 1 Corbett and 3 Munros, and I was put to shame by Karen, John, Stuart and Jack who all achieved far more.
On the summit of Beinn a Chaorainn (1083m)
The snow made things interesting at the beginning of the week, but we were blessed with fine weather on Thursday and Friday.
Wyn and I left Drumnadrochit at 7.15, anticipating a long day before reaching Inverness.
Initially the route follows the A82, before turning into the Abriachan Forest and ascending up to 380m. Around 9.00 we stopped for a break and had just restarted when the snow began to fall. For the next few hours we were treated to bouts of snow and hail.
Wyn battling through the snow
We reached the eco-campsite near Abriachan, and stopped for bacon rolls, coffee, tea and cakes. The food was excellent – but be warned, it is not cheap, and you might want to check on prices before ordering anything.
Five Star cafe at the Eco-campsite
Suitably replete and having been joined by Ove, a German friend we had met on the trail and whose partner had decided to stop at the cafe, we set off along a minor road with increasing views as the weather improved.
Improving weather as we leave the Eco campsite
After an hour or so of road walking, it was back into the forest before receiving our final dose of hail.
Final dose of hail…
Descending Dunain Hill, Inverness can be seen but the final 6k has still to be completed.
Just 6 more kilometres to go…
The trail links areas of greenery in a clever way eventually leading to the Caledonian Canal and along the banks of the River Ness.
Crossing the River Ness
We passed Inverness Cathedral on the opposite bank of the river.
Inverness Cathedral
Then with a short sharp climb the trail ends at Inverness Castle. We arrived at 4.30.
Inverness Castle
It was great that Wyn was able to join me for The Great Glen Way, and we are looking forward to completing the Offa’s Dyke Trail later in the summer.
Wyn at the end of the Great Glen Way
Tomorrow I am going to Braemar for a week with my friends from MAC (Mountain Activities Club). I will resume blogging again next Sunday.
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