Out and ASpout Again

After a month of not getting into the hills, John and Ann were out on Sunday for a quick trip up Lochnagar. We arrived to find the Glen Muick car park possibly the quietest we've ever seen it - obviously hill goers are a thoughtful breed who were all taking their mums breakfast in bed. A pleasant sunny wander up the track was finished with a fine view of the joys to come.

Lochnagar, with Black Spout just R of centre

Given the forecast of high winds and possibly a couple of hours of snow we decided on the easy option of keeping our heads down by staying in the corrie as long as possible. Given the rim of dodgy looking cornices and lots of meltwater around we decided on a scoot up Black Spout, which would put us on the plateau very close to the summit. A good plan, but getting to the base was a tedious plod through deep soft snow over the boulder fields.

On the Approach

Entering the Spout. Note the avalanche tip that had come down Parallel A (which now has a stream down it)

The Spout itself was as entertaining as ever although the soft snow made it quite hard going. Things improved a bit higher up but too late as we were now getting into the wind, and it was snowing on and off. The transition from sheltered gully to exposed plateau was as brutal as ever and we scooted up to the summit for shelter and first lunch.

Negotiating the Cornice

After that it was a rapid descent by the Glas Allt waterfall and a return to spring with a pleasant walk back along the loch in a mix of warm sun and the odd sleet shower (and second lunch).