This started off like any other hike. A bit windy and a decent view of the surrounding area. This quickly changed as we came through what I call the wind tunnel part of this route. The wind really picked up and the visibility just disappeared. It was manageable although pretty grim getting to ban macdui. However it was the return from the top that was the worst part. Had I known the route I’d have choose to come back the way we went up. The return down took us across a further 2 peaks dealing with 56MPH crosswinds and rain. Only for the fact that I was committed to this route and it would have been worse to turn back stopped me from doing so. We finally managed our last climb up to the Cairngorm mountain and once over the top of that the wind died down a bit. This was the first time I’d been on a hike and thought this was dangerous. But we did do it and we can laugh about it now. But I’d suggest anyone that isn’t confident in navigating or a beginner to mountain climbing don’t attempt climbs in bad weather.
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Fantastic ride around the Balmoral Estate and a great stop for lunch at the Highlanders Bake House Crathie.
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