Cairngorm via Lurchers Crag
I've always wanted to traverse the length of the Northern Corries from Lurchers Crag round to Cairngorm, preferably on a cracking winters day.
Sunday 2nd December 2007 provided an ideal opportunity as Norrie was up from Sawbridgeworth on a corbett bagging mission, but fancied a day up in the snow.
The day started promisingly and as we drove past Loch Morlich, I insisted that Norrie got out of the car to take a photo of the Northern Corries from the loch. The still scene was a definite contrast to the buffeting we were to get later.
We started from the Sugar Bowl car park and after descending and crossing the river, made our way past the fenced in Reindeer herd en route for the Chalamain gap. The jumble of rocks became more and more difficult to cross, and you can't help think about the forces of nature as you clamber through. The gorge was originally cut by glacial melt water, but the rocks seem to congregate as a result of freeze/thaw.
Passing through the gap, we headed for the Lairig Ghru, before taking the path steeply up towards Lurchers Crag. Norrie assures us that a lurcher dog once chased a deer to the top of the crag, thus providing the top with it's name. That being the case, it wasn't the only thing with its tongue hanging out, as I tried to keep up
with the pace of Susan who's fitness is inversely proportionate to my own!
Once the height was gained it was a pleasant stroll on to the summit although by this time we were subject to the full force of the strong winds. We spotted our first fellow walker apparently heading on through to Ben MacDui as we descended from Lurchers Crag, before resuming the upward climb towards Cairn Lochan.
Visibility by now was poor which is a pity as Norries photos of the climbers at play would have been dramatic to say the least. Being walkers who like to scramble in summer conditions, we know the high that can be obtained by putting yourself in danger occasionally, but I'm afraid climbing and in particular winter climbing isn't for me. I'd rather be sitting in a pub with a roaring fire, than sitting on my backside in frozen snow, waiting on my pals climbing carefully through the snow!
There were quite a few climbers out that day although conditions didn't seem the best. We stopped on Cairn Lochan to photograph some friendly snow buntings who had gotten a taste for cheese and Branston pickle!
Heading for Cairngorm now and all of a sudden, people were appearing from everywhere, and our sense of pioneering spirit was quashed! Even more so as we reached the Visitors Centre, with sledges everywhere!
We took the direct route down with a few tumbles in the deep snow, to arrive back at the car after a leisurely 7 hours. It was certainly an enjoyable walk which would really have provided some cracking photos on a clear day.
The evening was finished off with a few beers and a curry in Aviemore which was a great end to a great day.
