Last updated: 21/01/17

This was a good day out for 13 folk, squeezed into the minibus which got to the Cairnwell by about 10am, where we disgorged Anne, Jay and Eilidh, to do Glas Maol and Caenlochan. Then down to the Spital, where Ruth went off to explore by herself (eventually circuiting Ben Gulabin), while the rest of us (9) did the route more or less as planned. A lot of cloud about, but mostly overhead, and not as windy as feared from the forecast, so good views if not of distant hills and seas. Alec and I doubled back from the highest point to return to the Spital, while Ivan led the others a little further west, and then bottled out, descending through bog (ask Izy!) to a ford across to the ruined Lodge and back along the railway line to meet the minibus coming up the road. Drinks and scones etc. at the Cairnwell caff, and back in Aberdeen not too long after 6pm: we should have these late starts more often!

Not a very photographic day (though Alec took several; one inserted below); one or two more below.

On top of Ben Earb, with gluhwein (thanks, Garry!) and stollen (thanks, Izy!) in hand:

Main group last seen on summit "ridge":

Alec on the "summit":

View down to Dalmunzie House Hotel, with primeval sledge in foreground: