Winter Meet Report – Northern Cairngorms

[Stu Gorman]

Despite not ideal conditions and a variable forecast, last Thursday evening 5 KMC members drove north to the town of Aviemore in search of Scottish Winter Adventure. As it seems to becoming the norm, booking a weekend and hoping for conditions to be perfect doesn’t always yield results. Friday’s forecast of warm rain and storm force winds led to a lazy morning filled with coffee and cooked breakfasts before gravel biking, trail running and low level forest hikes. Making the most of the amazing outdoors of the Cairngorms, all teams got out and made the most of the location.

Saturdays forecast looked better – clearing skies, dry and winds 20/30mph. With thaw and days of storms, the teams knew gully routes were likely out, so plans were made for ridges and buttresses. Bags were packed with anticipation.

Setting off from the ski centre car park, the wind was noticeably stronger and it wasn’t long before weak wintery showers set in. The forecast had updated overnight and things had deteriorated. Still 3 teams set out into Stob Coire an t-Sneachda to find some adventure. Fresh avalanche debris, thin snow conditions and gusty winds limited options. Stu G and Charlie picked a snow line underneath Mess of Pottage and took this onto the plateau before heading for the Summit of Cairngorm. Jamie and Brendon traversed the Corrie, picking a line to the side of Fiacaill Buttress and traversing the Fiacaill ridge, avoiding the crest due to the 60mph gusts. Jake and his friend who joined the meet were more ambitious and having observed Alladins Couloir before attempting, finding soft and sketchy conditions as they climbed the route but enough good snow to make a safe passage. They continued to summit Ben Macdui.

Sunday, the storms return and the teams packed up and set off south, not quite with their fill for winter fun but satisfied with some successful and challenging journeys.

[Author]

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