NORTHERN CORRIES WINTER WALK

Morice Family on ice, Coire an Lochain

Great day for cloudscapes

Cairn Lochan just out of the clouds

Wind scoured above The Goat Track

Cairngorm plateau still holding snow

Approaching weather front over Coire an Lochain

The family enjoying a terrific walk

Coire an Lochain

Hard work this winter stuff

Morice and his family are out with me for a couple of days walking in The Cairngorms area. High level or low level walking for them and they left the choice up to me. Such a lovely day then it would be a shame not to miss out on a glorious winter walk up on the mountains. The Northern Corries circuit is one of the best days out in the area, summer or winter. The lower level paths are now well trodden so very easy and a doddle to walk on. Some snow melt but the overnight low temperatures had frozen up the snowpack and higher up it is superb cramponing. We avoided the ridge path and went into Coire an Lochain. Their first taste of axe and crampons and they loved it. Wonderful walking and a great way to get up onto the plateau. The clear skies in the morning gave way to an approaching Atlantic weather front. Temperatures rose by the end of the afternoon and we had cloud on our descent off 1141m. Looking a bit wet and windy tomorrow, at all levels. I think we may stay low tomorrow.