No 392 – The TGO Challenge 2015 – Part Four

The Podcast covers Day 6 and Day 7.

It was a very windy night, however the combination once again of fresh air, exercise and exhaustion left us having a fairly good nights sleep. Waking only once or twice when a large gust roared up the valley like a low flying jet.

Robin Evans, like the many other Scarp tents users had a ‘normal’ night. The Scarp shelter is perfectly suited for remote wilderness camping in all weathers. Everyone who used one, and there were quite a few on the TGOC, were delighted with the performance and ‘bomb proof’ nature. I don’t think we ever saw one ‘flapping’ during the whole trip, so congratulations to Henry Shires once again on the design.

Part of the day we were joined by Robin Evans as we crossed various snow fields, some of which invited temptation to stride across, until we saw a few collapsed snow bridges with deep streams underneath.

It did make one think about how you might extract yourself if you found yourself neck deep in one of those! However we did cross the few large expanses of snow which implied solid ground underneath. Although not particularly troublesome, they did slow our pace getting down to the bothys at the top of River Dulnain.

We met Paul Phibben and Wayne Palmer there who were inspecting the basic and the very luxurious shelters with interest intent on staying. Robin was going to join them so Rose and I continued for a few more K until we found a sweet little spot with the ideal level footprint for our tent.

Day 7 started once again with promising weather and we enjoyed a terrific steady, easy going walk along side the river. Not too soggy underfoot, a cool breeze and generally blue skies.

We half expected to meet the other three who we knew were coming this way, but not to be. But as you can see a glorious day and a generous soft pavement along the river side.

Robin we knew was heading to the Red Bothy. Although this was our original route too, the weather was perfect for a detour, especially if it cut off the boring ascent to the Burma Road.

At the confluence with Allt Duine the track rose easily to Geal Charn Beg and Mor. Gosh perfect walking, the wind had dropped the silence was complete and we both felt we were on top of the world.

I tried to capture it on the recording, however the moment was ruined by the ‘clicking’ of one of our phones trying to communicate with the nearest tower. So frustrating.

The track drops to the Burma Road at its crest and then it was a simple wander down into Aviemore, to book into the SYHA and to join Lee and Tony at the Cairngorm Hotel for yet more Guiness (one the TGOC 5 a day food groups) and to listen to the fabulous local Celtic Rock band Tweed.

Day 6 Map

Day 7 Map

Mapping supplied by Routebuddy