Cairngorm New Years

Just as all the ice was melting in North Wales I headed up to Scotland, the rather good timing was down to luck rather than good planning!

On new years eve Amy and I walked into Grabh Coire bothy, a little stone shelter in a remote coire half way up the Lairig Ghru.

Northen Coires at Sunrise

Walking down the Lairig Ghru..the only bit of sun I've ever seen in the Cairngorms
We were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves, which was just as well considering its minimal size. The bothy had obviously not been used for a while considering the few foot of snow we had to dig out from the inside.
Grabh Coire bothy
Feast in the making 
It was a great place to see in the new year, music on my phone, good food (plenty of) a bottle of red gave the place a festive atmosphere. The 60mph wind and snow outside added to the cozy feel inside.

The next day we summited Braeriach and walked along the ridge then descend back into the Lairig Ghru ready to go back through the Chalamain Gap all in classic Scottish weather. Lovely.

Snowy Amy after dropping out of the cloud on the Braeriach ridge 
The next day we did Fiacaill Rdige in the northern coires as Amy's first winter route. The ridge was disappointingly short and all the tricky sections are fun but easily avoidable. But pretty atmospheric in the mist. 

Amy on her first winter route

Amy enjoying her new iced up hair
We descended Chorie Chais ridge back to the car then back for a late lunch. A good rest day in preparation for the next day..see next post