The Country Park was slightly white but the higher we climbed, the more snow there was. This time we had taken plenty of layers, a variety of gloves and hats and windproofs - ready for anything. Gary also had his Kahtoola micro-spikes in case there was a chance to try them out. Walked steadily up the track (mountain bikers and runners coming down) and the depth of the snow gradually increased.
We stopped just after the second gate where the spikes got their chance. The path up the hill ahead was just visible as a white streak in the grass and snow. Extra kit on here too which proved useful as we slid (me) and trudged (Gary) up the hill.
Visibility reduced as we climbed until all I could see was a few metres ahead of me. Eventually we reached the junction of paths and headed left to Ben Ever. Those last couple of hundred feet in height resulted in frozen grass, rime ice, several inches of snow and zero visibility as the snow falling got heavier and heavier.
We spotted the summit cairn and moved away from the path towards it. At this point the wind was howling, snow was being blown at us and it was bitterly cold. Huddled behind the cairn for a very quick cup of coffee then decided to eat our lunch at home! As we turned it around, our footprints had been obliterated by wind-blown and falling snow. It would be so easy to get into trouble in these hills, let alone the higher mountains. Luckily we had the trusty GPS with back up compass, not that we needed them as we found the path back down OK.
Back down the hill, face to the wind - which was fun. Everything was frozen, hands, faces, trousers, outer coats. The goggles went on which helped with vision. All went well, even on the steep bits then too cocky was I and over I went at a point where we were almost back at the track. Bruised a**e and ego but otherwise OK.
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| Full winter kit |
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| Stopped at the farm track - looking rosy of cheek |
A quick chat with a couple of chaps who'd walked to the end of the track and had also decided to lunch back at home due to the cold.
Back home by 14.30 and a late lunch. Snow much less at lower levels but more is forecast during the next week.
Meanwhile, we have paid the Highland Council for the building warrant application and they have uploaded it onto the current list on their website. Assume all is well and looking forward to agreeing the spec for tender at the end of this month.
Last weekend we walked the Glen Ogle trail which was a lovely (if wet) path up one side of the glen and back along a disused railway track. We have driven this way many times and it was interesting to walk it even though we had no views as we were in the cloud. On balance, we prefer the snow although there were no views today either due to the whiteout conditions.
The micro-spikes performed well on their first outing, need to try them on ice next. We might get that chance soon and the snow shovel could be resurrected from its resting place in the garage. Will keep you posted.
