Monadh Mor and Beinn Bhrotain, 16th August 2020
I am currently stretching the definition of what Munros can be climbed in a day from Glasgow, and I think a fairly large portion of the Cairngorms can count, as long as you take the bike to get along the estate paths quicker.
My usual climbing pals were indisposed again, but I couldn't really pass up the opportunity to get out for a fourth time this Summer.
I was up at 0530 and on the road again for 0615, with the bike on the roof on the car. It was a bit smirry and grey on the way up the A9 and then through the slow roads via Luncarty, Blairgowrie and then over the Glenshee pass.
I arrived at Linn of Dee at 0845, expecting massive crowds, but fortunately, it was grey and still so I think that put the sun worshippers off initially. As I arrived, I could see a few midge hats on, so I got all my gear on inside the car - including long trousers and sleeves. Then it was a mad 2 minute dash to pay my £3, take the bike off and get going before the midge hit me. Too late - they were on me quickly.
Once I got going at 0855 however, they were too slow to keep up with the bike and I managed to get shot of them as I headed through gorgeous purple heathery hills towards White Bridge.
I crossed over, past a few midge-hatted campers and followed the south side of the Dee up on some great fun bike trails - hitting well-built drainage culverts every couple of hundred metres. Eventually, it got a bit too technical for me, and I gave up the bike just after the Allt Iarnaidh at 0955.
The midge were out, so I carried on northwards on my way to Glen Geusachan fairly quickly. Eventually the clouds started to fade, and it was clear that this was going to be a belter of a day.
I stopped at a tiny lochan for some pictures of the Devil's Point reflected in the water and a sip of coffee.
The Cairngorms were in full technicolour. It was absolutely stunning.
What a pleasure to be in that place, with not another soul in view! Complete solitude.
I carried on up Glen Geusachan through the heather and headed for Loch nan Stuirteag, sitting at 860m above sea level.
This seemed as good a spot as any for lunch at 1249, but first, I took a good look about, didn't see anyone, then stripped off and popped in for a swim.
I dried off, got dressed again, then had lunch. It was warm but there was a nice breeze, and any thoughts of midge were long gone. I then climbed up onto the main ridge of Monadh Mor and looked back to my private swimming pool and some of the highest mountains in the country.
I made the summit of Monadh Mor at 1340 and took in the views. As I moved along the ridge, I could see Glen Geusachan, the way I'd come.
I made the summit of Beinn Bhrotain at 1440 and stopped for a while to chat to some other walkers and have a sandwich.
From there I followed the Allt Garbh straight down and marvelled at just how clear the water was. I made it down to the main path at 1535 and then wandered back to the bike, which I found (with a bit of difficulty) at 1604.
I had a tail wind for the last section and spotted a red squirrel darting into a beautiful-smelling Scots Pine wood.
I arrived at Linn of Dee at 1642, then packed up and headed to Braemar for a can of ginger before heading home.
Relive of the Cycle in:
Relive 'Bike into Monadh Mòr and Beinn Bhrotain'
And Relive of the Route itself:
Relive 'Monadh Mòr and Beinn Bhrotain'
Distance: 22.5km hike / 14.2km cycling
Time: 6hrs 9mins hike / 1h 2mins cycling
Ascent: 842m hike / 81m cycling
Munros Completed: 169
Comments