If yesterday morning was a marginal decision, today there was absolutely no doubt that it was not a day to be up a big hill. In fact, as it turned out, it wasn’t much of a day for a low-level walk through a forest either, but as we didn’t know that at the time, we set out for an intended 11-mile circuit taking in Loch Morlich and the Glenmore Cafe.
It had variously rained, sleeted and snowed through the night, but it was dry as we set out – a dryness which lasted about two minutes. Before we’d even cleared the campsite boundary, heavy wet snow was falling again.
Even without the falling snow, the underfoot conditions were horribly slip-slidey as we trudged through a layer of slushy snow.
Within the first fifteen minutes I was pondering whether a circuit to take us to a cafe in Aviemore would be the better choice for the day, but we continued on our way until, less than 3 miles into our walk we mutually agreed on an abandonment.
The turning point
Around we turned, retraced our steps to just beyond the Cairngorm Club Footbridge, then took a different route back to our start point. The underfoot conditions didn’t get any better, but as noon struck the day did temporarily brighten, giving a glimpse of snow on hills which were almost snow-free last we saw them a couple of days ago.
Sitting, book in one hand, cup of tea in the other, blanket on the lap, seemed to me to be a much better way to spend the afternoon. Hopefully, tomorrow’s weather will be better.
We still managed just shy of 6 miles, with a small modicum of ascent.
Snow is no fun when it's the wet slushy stuff. Just grey, wet and windy here. Couldn't force myself through the door though, 'cos I is la-zy.
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