Monday 28 June 2021 - Glas Maol and Creag Leacach

Today we were joined by Simon and were therefore able to leave a car at the Spittal of Glenshee and return to the Cairnwell Pass to start our walk.

The weather was perfect as we headed up easily to the minor summit of Meall Odhar, from where the above picture was taken.

There were fine views in all directions as we continued onwards to our elevenses break at the summit of our first Munro of the day, Glas Maol.

Continuing along the broad ridge, we reached our second Munro, Creag Leacach, without difficulty and enjoyed a lavish lunch on the rocky summit.

Then we proceeded along the ridge, over Carn Ait and two more minor summits, to get to Carn an Daimh, from where we descended to the Cateran Trail path and thence to our dumped car at the Spittal. 

What on earth was a shovel doing at this pimple on the ridge?

More flowers were identified, to be summarised in a future posting. I thought this one was Crosswort, until AlanR commented. I now agree with him and think it's Heath Bedstraw. Currently it forms huge carpets on some of the hillsides near Braemar.

Below is the view before the descent to the Spittal. Here there were mountain hares lolloping about the place, golden plovers looking after their babies, and various other birds going about their business under the watchful eye of a bird of prey.

Here's our route - 16km with 650 metres ascent, taking about 6 hours. An excellent little outing.

After the usual tea and biscuits etc, and Simon mowing the lawn, we adjourned to the Braemar Lodge Hotel for a meal with an Old TGOC Lag, John Burt, with whom we spent a most sociable, if unexpected evening, having bumped into him earlier in the street.