Beinn Suidhe - big consolation in isolation

I knew that I was being over-optimistic when I hatched a plan to tackle Beinn nan Aighenan from Loch Tulla but I also knew that if time was short, or conditions were inclement, that I could check out Beinn Suidhe. As it was, I never got to the car park until 0900 so I figured it was going to be a no-no. As I walked into Glen Kinglas, I wasn't too worried since the views ahead were magnificent. I relaxed into the walk and really relished this occasion. Having taken ownership of a bulldogue francaise, she has been quite a bind. Plus, her short stature presently doesn't allow for hill terrain. That will be tested on Conic Hill soon enough though....hehe. The walk past the turn-off for Clashgour feels remote and the impressive crags of Beinn Suidhe soon come to the fore. Not a hill to be tackled direttisima. As I approached Loch Dochard, Meall nan Eun looked magnificent. As did the sweeping peak of Albannaich. It looked cold up there. I had a cup of cha and some ricky pig crisps - fit fine. The climb up on to Beinn Suidhe itself was pleasant until I emerged on to the ridge proper. An icy blast from the North soon refrigerated exposed flesh and I was grateful for my layers and snazzy new Buff - rebuffed by the dog in actual fact. Ungrateful hound. The views from this smaller hill are quite something. Loch Dochard appeared very frozen and the weather closed on in over the larger hills. For once, happy to be on smaller ground. A relatively untechnical down climb from the shorter peak at 636 saw me at a deer fence but the route back to the car was uncomplicated and serene. A moment with a stag beside the river and just below Stob Ghabhar was exquisite. A fantastic day out with a big consolation.

Pressendye

Time up in Aberdeen meant that a potential hill in the 'gorms was in the offing. However, the weather had deteriorated considerably and the snow meant that the roads in Aberdeenshire were brutal. Rather than drive all the way to Braemar and be rewarded by snow gates or a likely epic up Beinn Bhrotain, I decided on a shorter day. I parked up at the Petts farm after a harum-scarum drive and got clad to the hilt. I climbed the various zigzags and ventured into a snow storm. No route issues but a very pleasant walk, with picnic tables scattered around the summit of Pittenderich. The final climb to the summit of Pressendye was tough due to the thigh deep snow but the large cairn and shelter afforded phone calls back to worried relatives and wifelet. Views to Morven were obscured by the cloud level so in that sense, my choice was more than justified. 3 hours from bottom to bottom and a return to mother P's fine food meant that it was a victory rather than an opportunity lost.