I was up in Braemar for the weekend with GWC for a Projects hillwalking weekend. It was good to get to know a few of the staff a bit better. There were quite a few folk different ideas and goals for the weekend so we decided to split of into a few separate groups for the Saturday. The weather forecast was that it would be clear but cold; ideal winter conditions. A few of us fancied Broad Cairn, as a couple of folk had already bagged Lochnagar.
We set off early in a convoy of cars heading for Spittle of Glenmuick. It was a wonderfully clear morning but the air was chilly. We had a group of mixed abilities and experience so this looked like the perfect hill to attempt in the current conditions. We set out along the estate track along the south bank of Loch Muick. Along here, we had a stunning view across Loch Muick to the Glas-allt-Shiel Lodge (an amazing setting) and Broad Cairn in the back ground. We made swift progress along the wide track with only the occasional slope. After a few kilometers we crossed the Black Burn and hit a steep switchback section of the track. Once this had been overcome, we were again on a steady slope working our way towards the summit.
There was a handy animal shelter around 2km from the top, so we made good use of it and used it as a lunch stop before heading any higher. Now refreshed and warmed with food and drink, we made our push for the top. We encountered some hard snow and ice higher up the slope and those of us who were experienced educated those who weren't familiar with an ice axe and its uses. The last few meters to the summit cairn were solid ice and the wind was really howling. Nevertheless, everyone made it; even if they had to crawl! We didn't hang around long, as the wind was chilling. There were several other folk at the top and one chap offered to snap a group shot of us all. To our horror he was almost blown off the hill as he stepped back to take the photo! Luckily he did the right thing and immediately went to ground at the edge of the cairn... phew :-S
We made our descent via a slightly different route: back down to the animal shelter and then taking the path to the north east through Corrie Chash. We encountered a rather large snow bank on the traverse along the steep slope down to the shore of Loch Muick. This delayed us a little as steps had to be kicked/cut and some of the group needed quite a lot of coaching and coaxing. However, we were soon on our way again and motoring along the edge of the loch and we were treated to more great views of the Glas-allt-Shiel Lodge. We also spotted a heard of deer near the Black Burn and reached the car park well before dark. We headed back to Braemar to share tales of the day with other staff.
