Andrew Carmichael
Ventures into the wilderness whenever the opportunity arises to spend a night atop a hill.
Activity
Thru Hike
Duration
2 nights
Base
4.83 kg
Trail
7.61 kg
Total
8.84 kg
This was an autumn treat. Scotland was covered in clouds for three days, everywhere but the mountain tops, leaving us with clear skies and cloud inversions.
Bruce and I spent three days walking in sunshine with zero winds capturing six Munros - a needed break.
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Conditions
Weather
The record
Timeline
Bruce and I had to delay this trip due to a storm but the week made all the difference. We found ourselves not with a typical Scottish Autumn but what instead represented a fine Summer day. This however, was only for those on the hills, for as you looked to horizons, the lowlands were covered in cloud.
I had taken my X Mid Pro 1 for it's first real run and took my winter bag ( Pipedream 600 )for comfort which was apt, as Bruce found himself boiling some water to keep his feet cold through the night.
Both Bruce and I likely carried too much water leading to heavier packs but not knowing water sources led us to take etc. This would have been our big saving, otherwise, light gear and plenty of food to indulge in.
Linn of Dee Car Park
56.990°
-3.544°
After picking up Bruce from Edinburgh, head north to Braemar and drive westward to car park
Carn A' Mhaim
57.037°
-3.658°
Following the well marked tracks towards base and the odd river crossing head up the summit for views across the Lairig Ghru.
Ben Macdui
57.070°
-3.669°
Steep climb up boulders with packs on backs led us to top of Ben Macdui.
Camp
57.067°
-3.660°
Pitched just down from top, where there was a patch of grass amongst the rocks, next to an excellent water source.
After the trail
Trip Report
Gear
Bring Again
(1)
X Mid Pro 1 · Durston Gear
This was my first multi day hike with this tent and I loved it. I really do think it exudes quality with the materials and coupled with the Iceline Poles I was more comfortable on trail and at camp. I would have regretted taking a heavier tent as my knees struggled at times.
There was no test against weather on the peaks for this as wind was non existent.