A return visit to the Central Cairngorms as a joint trip after my phenomenal solo circuit in May earlier this year. This is a shorter route covering some of the same ground, traversing the Braeriach and Cairn Toul corries on the outward leg and ascending Ben Macdui directly from the Lairig Ghru, and following the shore of Loch Avon to the Saddle to climb Cairn Gorm for the return.
Four of the days were clear throughout and two of them had almost unbroken sunshine and excellent clarity giving superb views. Only one day - the fourth - was misted out, but offered much detail in the immediate landscape to maintain plenty of interest. A panoramic crystal clear view over a grand inversion from a deserted Cairn Gorm summit rounded off a highly memorable mountain backpack.
My foot still hadn’t fully recovered from the Plantar Fasciitis and I expected this backpack to set my recovery back somewhat, and it may well have done, but the results were mixed and perplexing. Following the toughest day over Cairn Toul, which is testing terrain for foot control, my foot was aching by the end of the day which was not surprising, but the next morning I couldn’t feel a thing, just as if I never had the problem. So it remained for that day and the next day except for a very slight discomfort by the time we pitched, nothing worth mentioning. However on the last day following the easy climb up Cairn Gorm the pain returned. I really can’t figure that, but I’ll continue with the stretching exercises and hope for the best.
18 Comments
Sorry to hear the plantar fasciitis hasn’t cleared up yet. Looks like a great trip though, and fantastic photos too! Have learned a bit about muscle pain, and it can really help to stay hydrated. I think massaging your soleus muscle (just below the bottom of the calf) helps too, since that’s the muscle that connects in the bottom of your foot. Good luck with it!
Wow, fantastic!
I love the way that tiny piece of snow stays every year on Garbh Choire Mor. I have a picture here of myself in the same place pointing at that same bit of snow!… http://www.trekkingbritain.com/050910-braeriachridge/050910C17-MyselfPointingAtRareBritishAllYearSnowFieldOnCarnNaCrichePinnaclesButtress.jpg
Michelle,
Thanks very much. I’ll add that soleus idea to my repertoire of exercises, it might do some good.
Jamie,
Hello again, long time no hear. The weather was too good to miss even with a bit of foot pain, well worth it. It’s hard to believe that snow can persist all summer even up there, there’s obviously something about that particular spot.
Looks like the weather gods are on your side. Two trips to the Cairngorms this year in cracking weather - some great photos as usual.
James,
Indeed they must be, another great backpack under the belt. Looking forward to the next one (as always).
From what I hear about the weather this year in Scotland, you’ve been very lucky! I think your trip is what I should have attempted in May. I’ve always carried a head net even though I’ve rarely used it. Fortunately, I’ve not encountered the famous Scottish midge as I’ve only been to Scotland in May.
Robin,
We got probably the only two good 5-day slots this year I think.
That was our first serious encounter with the Scottish midges. They say the problem is a lot less serious in the east than the west, heaven help the west on a hot humid July evening then!. We’ve never seen the porch full of them like that in England or Wales. The bites seem to be smaller and less itchy than the ones south of the border but more numerous.
Cracking report and photographs, Geoff. Just about to start route planning for next year’s TGO Challenge. I think the Gorms will now feature.
Thanks
Alan
Alan,
Thanks very much. Planning next year’s TGOC already:- I’ve sometimes wondered if those maps ever came in useful, never heard any more about them.
What a great report Geoff and superb pictures. Very jealous!
Wow, wow, wow!!! What fantastically inspirational photographs in that wonderful weather! I’d hoped to do the ascent of Ben Macdui from the LG followed by a camp at Loch Etchachan on the Chally this year, but–sadly–foul weather blew in overnight as I was camping at Corrour Bothy, and so the attempt had to be postponed for another year. It was a real joy to look at your pictures, though, and to read your description of how it was for you. I’ll definitely be giving it a try when I next get the chance.
Phew… this was one of the most exciting trip reports I’ve ever read! Many thanks for it
Phil,
Thanks again - trip of the year definitely!.
PW,
Thanks very much. Wise decision - Macdui is not the place to be in foul weather that’s for sure, better luck next time. That bothy is a veritable magnet - though with good reason - the bealach where we pitched is a better idea if the weather is kind, though there was a LaserComp pitched not far away even up there.
As always Geoff a joy to read and the photos are superb. Cloud inversions as well. You are blessed and good for you. Hope the foot heals right up and take care.
Martin,
Thanks once more. Another Scotland backpack in grand conditions, well worth a risk with the foot and it doesn’t seem any worse for it. If only it wasn’t so damned far to drive!.
I feel your pain Geoff,literally. I aquired this affliction about a month before the TGOC this year,which put me on my arse,not the best preparation really.
First two long days i was suffering fairly badly and thought i might have throw the towel in,but stubborn bugger i am kept at it. Like you it just seemed to dissapear overnight by the fourth day i think it was, didn’t bother me from there apart from a manageable ache occasionaly, which is all i still get now.
It helped me when it was bad to tape it with zinc oxide/sports tape. There are videos on you tube,one is particularly good.
Great trip report btw
Adi,
Your experience sounds like mine: puzzling and inconsistent results from day to day. Just poodling around at home, on some days I hardly feel it at all, on others it aches a little throughout and on some it’s very variable from hour to hour.
Web research indicates a typical period of a year or two for the problem to clear up, I hope I can do better than that.
What tent are you using these days when two of you go? I can only see reviews of solo tents on the website.
Cheers, Stuart
Stuart,
It’s a Terra Nova Voyager (standard model dated 2006, not the Superlight version that isn’t fully waterproof). I describe it in the Wild Camping section.
I might reorganise some of the gear stuff on the site when I get time, at the moment it’s split between sections for historical reasons.