Having spent the last week in the Costa Blanca climbing in temperatures of up to 30 degrees, it was a shock to drive back home on Sat. night to the Highlands in freezing temperatures and snow. The next day despite having post holiday chores to do and it being a bit windy I was desperate to get out in the white stuff for the first time this winter.

I chose to do a short walk up Bohuntine Hill in Glen Roy. The snow picked out the parallel road features (which are not roads at all but the remains of ancient beaches formed in glacial lakes). I started near Roy Bridge, a short drive up Glen Roy from a look out and car park which has a good Scottish Natural Heritage information point explaining how the parallel roads were formed. Go to
http://www.snh.org.uk/nnr-scotland/reserve.asp?NNRId=23 to find out more.

There is only 400 meters of ascent uphill to great views back to Leanachan Forest, the Grey Corries and Aonoch Mor. The hill had several parties on it keen to get out but not wanting to climb the higher peaks. Despite warnings from a friendly couple over from Aviemore that there was a sting at the top (beware of snow over unfrozen bog) I got caught! With a boot full of snow melt and mud I did an up and down route in just over 1 ½ hours but if you want to extend the day there is a longer version of the walk in the Pocket Mountain ‘Central Highlands’ guide by Nick Williams. www.pocketmountains.com

Anna

posted by ocuk @ 5:27 PM