Creag Dubh & Carn an Fhreiceadain. 9th October 2012

Hawaii 5-0 Cat, Newton Moor Hostel. 09/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Our stay the previous evening in the Newton Moor Hostel had been a very pleasant one. Whilst Vicks showered I prepared the evening meal of pasta, vegetables and smoky sausage served up with a nice red pepper pesto sauce. I showered myself and then we both relaxed in front of the log burner with a couple of drinks to celebrate Vicks birthday. We both started to nod off in front of the fire and eventually turned in early for much needed good nights sleep.

Great Wall, Creag Dubh. 09/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The following morning we were up early in preparation for our 1st visit to Creag Dubh. Over breakfast we made our plans and once we had finished we then did our dishes leaving the hostel clean and tidy for the next visitors. It was a very frosty morning and we took our time rearranging all of the gear in the boot of the car so we could access the climbing equipment. After a quick check, all the gear for the day was put into rucksacks and once we de-iced the car we were off to explore a new crag.

The views from Creag Dubh. 09/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Arriving at Creag Dubh (NH672959) we parked at a small lay bay with a bench just in front of the gate which allows access to the crags. The weather was glorious with plenty of warming sunshine. In high spirits we shouldered our packs and started the short walk up to Great Wall. Our intentions were to climb the 1st climb recorded at this crag Rib Direct VD* but unfortunately the climb was pouring with water and we thought better of it. We then traversed around under the impressive crags to the other climb that we had in mind Tree Hee S*** on Sprawl Wall. The lower section was dry but we could see on the upper section a lot of seepage so again we thought better of it and heeded to the warnings in the guide book and returned to the car.

The summit cairn of Beinn Bhreac looking east to the Cairngorms. 09/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Not wanting to waste the rest of a beautiful day I consulted the guide books and suggest we did Carn an Fhreiceadain a Corbett just north of Kingussie. Vicks agreed and we drove the short distance back along the road and parked by the public toilets in Kingussie (NH755007). From here we walked the short distance up the road to the caravan park (NH755015) and then followed the well sign posted circular walk around the golf course to a bridge (NH756022). Crossed the bridge and then followed the 4x4 track north passing the Pitman Lodge (NH749029) and continued up this track to the summit of Beinn Bhreac (NH740069). Turning west we then continued on the track to the summit of Carn an Fhreiceadain (NH725071) before turning south and returning to the car.

The summit cairn of Carn an Fhreiceadain with Carn Sgulain in the background. 09/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

This walk is nothing more than a gentle stroll along a 4x4 track and has little of interest until the summits are reached. The views east towards the Cairngorms are very pleasant and we could clearly see that the snow that was down to below the summit of Cairn Gorm has now gone, but snow still remains on Ben Mac Dui the highest peak in the Cairngorms. The views west to the Newton Moor hills are also very pleasant and looking south the gentle hills of the Drumochter Pass are also easy on the eye. Although not a walk I would repeat it was certainly worth the effort and I really enjoyed it.

Me taking in the views from the summit of Carn an Fhreiceadain. 09/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)