Meall Chuaich

High pressure still firmly in charge, at least in the Eastern Highlands, so a great day to get out. I took a jaunt up Meall Chuaich, a Munro to the  east of the A9 at Drumochter. At the weekend ease of access and a high starting point means these hills are very popular, today I met only one other person on the hill, but many ptarmigan and hare! We have had a thaw of low lying slow over the past few days, but still plenty on the hills. Meall Chuich had much less snow than the surrounding hills, what there was was excellent spring snow, with a soft top centimetre or snow. Good for walking, would be easy snow for skiing as well at the moment. Feels like Spring in the sunshine in the glens, but winter still firmly in charge higher up.......on the walk in today I was overheating and glad I had remembered sunglasses, but towards the top I was in the usual Goretex suit of armour, goggles, and navigating by compass and pacing! Looks like the weather will revert to the usual Highland winter norm later this week, so make the most of the sun if you can!

Snow+++!

Large volumes of snow to all levels just now, meaning the possibility for fun is endless----walking, sledging, snowshoeing, climbing, skiing, all possible! Higher up there has been significant movement of snow on the strong winds, so check the avalanche forecast carefully (www.sais.gov.uk) before heading out. This morning we went for a snowshoe in the forest en famille. One of those beautiful midwinter days when one can strap on skis or snowshoes at the door and head out into the woods or hills. Beautiful crisp sunshine, forests more redolent of the Alps in winter given the volume of snow.

Forecast to stay cold all week. Enjoy!