John Chivall, Outdoor Instructor

Preparing for my Winter Mountain Leader assessment, I took myself off for a couple of days into the remote country between Glen Garry and the Cairngorms. I walked in from the Old Bridge of Tilt under a brilliant moon to Allt Sheichachan bothy. Up early, I climbed Ben Dearg, Ben Bhreac, Carn an Fhidhleir and An Sgarsoch before reaching the Tarf Hotel bothy in mid-afternoon.

After a relaxing night's sleep, I walked out over Carn a Chlamain and Beinn Mheadhonach before dropping down into beautiful Glen Tilt for the last few kilometres. I was lucky enough to have perfect walking conditions with firm neve underfoot covering the peat hags, and sunny skies. I didn't see a human person in the entire trip, until the postie passed me in her van along the estate track in Blairuachdar wood, just half an hour before I got back to my car.

Here are some pictures:

Allt Sheichachan bothy at 7am

The early morning light show

Alone in the wild

Carn an Fhidhleir and An Sgarsoch seen from Beinn Bhreac's summit

Beinn Bhreac and Carn an Fhidleir seen from An Sgarsoch's summit

The cloud-veiled sun

Luxurious accommodation, all to myself

Raven, true ruler of the mountain

Gleann Mhairc and the old bridge at the foot of Beinn Mheadonach