Black Hill and Hay Bluff 25 May 2013

An enjoyable morning in the Black Mountains, climbing Black Hill and Hay Bluff on the Welsh borders. Fairly small after the Munros, but enjoyable with a nice ridge and stunning views filled with birdsong. Firstly up the narrow rocky ridge, approaching Black Hill from the south, to the summit at 2,100'. Then NW across heather moorland with expansive views to Hay Bluff at 2,221'. A peaceful place with just a few other walkers enjoying the bank holiday serenity and views - and home for lunch! Wildlife highlights included Peregrine and Red Grouse.

Carn a' Mhaim 15 May 2013

Our last day of Munros and just one today - showery weather, but bright first thing, and a cycle in to Derry Lodge along the Dee followed by a walk through ancient Scots pines, and then up the steep southerly slopes of Carn a'Mhaim to the summit at 3,402', and a clearance at the top gave us impressive views into the Cairngorms, from Devil's Point round to the cloud-shrouded slopes of Ben Macdui. Still a lot of snow lying on the higher mountains. The weather deteriorated in the afternoon but by then we were cycling out. Munro total now 106!

Lochnagar group 14 May 2013

An excellent day on the Lochnagar group, starting from Glen Muick car park. Overall good weather, bright with some sun and scattered snow showers, less wind. A good path up, then dramatic views of Lochnagar cliffs and the steep climb up to Lochnagar summit, 3,789' with views to Glenshee and the southern Cairngorms. The rest of the walk is long, 17m total, and approx 1300m of ascent, but mostly on the plateau with no major ascents/descents. Good expansive views with snow showers moving through, a moderate wind - the other Munros being - Carn a'Coire Boidheach (3,668'), Coire an t-Sagairt Mor (3,435'), then on to Cairn Bannoch (3,320') and Broad Cairn (3,274'). 5 Munros in an enjoyable but long day of high-level walking, with great views and a feeling of immense space. Munro total now 105.

My Hundredth Munro - Carn a' Gheoidh 13 May 2013

13 May - A day of dramatic weather with strong wind, snow showers and shafts of sunlight between the clouds - and an enjoyable walk out past the ski lift, past lochans and spacious moorland to the (today) very windy and snow-dusted summit plateau of Carn a'Gheoidh (3,199') where the cloud and spindrift snow cleared to give views on my 100th Munro! We also climbed Carn Aosta and The Cairnwell on our circuit from Glenshee. After we descended, the wind really picked up in the afternoon, vindicating our decision for a shorter day.

Glas Maol group 12 May 2013

A fairly long day over 6 Munros in deteriorating weather conditions, starting fine in the morning then cloud, wind and rain in the afternoon. We started from the Glenshee car park at about 2000 ft, heading first up Creag Leacach (3.238') then across to Glas Maol, the highest of the day at 3,504'. Then across boggy ground, and a surprising number of snow patches, to Cairn of Claise (3.491') which gave us our last view of the day. The views through the day were expansive and rolling, from Schiehallion and Beinn a'Ghlo to Mount Keen. The rest of the peaks were a bit of a slog, Tom Buidhe (3,140') and Tolmount (3,143') being fairly nondescript bumps. Then a long walk in fog, drizzle and strong wind across to the last peak of the day, Carn an Tuirc at 3,343'. Finally back to the A93. My Munro total is now 99!