Beinn Bhreac and Beinn a'Chaorainn 18 Aug 2018

A day of increasingly good weather for these 2 southern Cairngorm Munros, a very scenic approach through the pinewoods of Glen Derry, then a good path up through the trees to the shoulder of Beinn Bhreac, then the east top at 3,054' with good views in the sun of yesterday's peak, the massive bulk of Beinn a'Bhuird. Then across the plateau to the higher summit of Beinn a'Chaorainn, very windy and a height of 3,550'and amazing views east across the Lairig to Macdui and Derry Cairngorm, with a tiny bothy down in the glen. A steep descent and more great views on the walkout made for a memorable day. Munros#215.

Beinn a'Bhuird 17 Aug 2018

A guided walk with the Mar Lodge estate and NTS staff, the cloud base down at about 900m so no views at the cold, windy, fogged plateau and cairn. 3,924' but no views! Worth returning to on a fine summer day as perfect tundra habitat for wildlife. Munro#213.

Cairn Toul and Sgor an Lochain Uaine 7 Aug 2018

A 12h day with Steven Fallon's group into the heart of the Cairngorms from Rothiemurchus. A long walk in, then arduous ascent up the very bouldery N slope of Cairn Toul, the 4th highest peak in Scotland and the UK, at 4,236'. Bright and increasingly sunny weather with expansive views across the massive peaks of the Cairngorms, from Cairngorm and Ben Macdui to Braeriach - with Lochnagar visible to the north, and Beinn a 'Ghlo to the south. Then a superb high-level ridge walk, round to the adjacent Munro of Angel's Peak, or in gaelic Sgor an Lochain Uaine, an airy viewpoint and 5th highest Munro at 4,127'. Then on to Braeriach, 4,252' and only topped by Macdui itself. As it happens, my 2nd ascent of Braeriach! Dramatic views across the Coire back to Cairn Toul, Angel's Peak and the lower peak of Devil's Point, which I will have to return to do separately (good to have an excuse to come back!). Great to have clear summits on these very high hills. Munro total 212, or 75% of the total now climbed.