September brings the annual Cairngorm Club traverse this year being the North to South alternative. Heading off from the ski centre we passed the new mountain bike trail with it’s ‘magic carpet’

The group split into 2, one heading off to traverse the Fiacaill ridge, and I stayed with the Coire an t-Sneachda party.

The mild ascent had us hot with the windless shelter here, and we stopped briefly at the pool for a coffee break before the winch up the goat track.

The last time I’d been nearby in winter somebody had been helicoptered out of here after falling, although it’s a good enough path it does get steeper and mildly scrambly in small bits towards the top, and a covering of ice would make it a treacherous descent for sure.

Now open to the southern breeze we welcomed the coolness after the climb, looking across we could see our other party making their way along the ridge.

We followed the path to Ben Macdui; I’d been following online a project to map the UK’s highest trees, which at that time the record stood around 1200m, so as soon as that contour was reached I diverged off-path and thrumbled amongst the rocks and grass, hoping to spot a record-breaker and perhaps find a brief moment of glory.

The top was in gloom (I’m not sure I’ve ever been on Macdui and it not having been so) with many hikers scattered around. A raven watched intently: there were treats to be had.

I decided on an offering of some pork pie chunks, and the shadow pounced and then faded into the mist to stash or eat at the leisure

A chilly breeze had us shelter in the Sapper’s bothy for lunch. One day I’ll note down the bearing from the top instead of wandering roughly in the direction

Heading down towards Loch Etchachan we got below cloud and dappled hills presented themselves

I’d continued ‘high tree search’ with no luck but a small movement caught my eye

Now below 1200m I gave up tree search and rejoined the throng

As often seems to be the case, finding when not looking: a pine at around 1070m right beside the path, 100m short of the UK Pinus Sylvestris record at that time. Folk casually state that trees can’t grow at these heights but they can and do without undue grazing pressure, the same species grow at far higher heights in other countries (up to 2600m and increasing).

We didn’t stop long at the hutchy, the skies were darkening and we were conscious of time having to meet our coach at the Linn o’Dee

Along Glen Derry the skies opened and didn’t relent until the end, we’d soaked up scenery and now time to soak up water

I was glad of a full change of clothes on the coach. The ridge walkers soon arrive having made good time from Ben Macdui down Sron Riach which is a bit shorter than via Glen Derry. Onwards home, with a stop at Aboyne for a refreshment. I hope to do a winter traverse with some club members, a more challenging task and I’ll need to ponder route choices for that later in the year.