Scotland at its best

Yesterday was another scorcher in the 25 degrees plus range. For a few weeks now, the Bigman's daughter has been threatening to drag him up a munro as part of his training regime. The sun was shining, the excuses were not present, and so this was the day. The target mountain was Braeriach in the Cairngorm mountain range near Aviemore. At 4000ft plus, Braeriach is one of four 4000ft plus mountains overlooking the Lairig Ghru mountain pass between Deeside and Speyside.

They set off from the Ski Road car park at 10.00 after a six o'clock rise. The plan had been to buy water in Aviemore before the ascent. Bad plan. Aviemore was completely sold out of water. Instead, they bought flavoured sparkling water for the flasks with a plan to dilute in the fresh, cool, fast flowing rivers en route.


At eleven o'clock it was time for elevenses. They had made good time through the Chalaman Gap and rested by the sparling waters tumbling effortlessly through the Lairig Ghru. The Fit one called to advise Bigman of his official time in Skye. He enquired about the sound of running water in the background and, as a keen mountaineer, could quickly visualise the scenery, the sounds, and could hear the silence.



Onwards and upwards they pushed up the shoulder to the plateau that led to the summit. As you crest the shoulder you can see the peaks of Cairngorm, Cairn Toul, Devil's point, Derry Cairn Gorm and of course lunch, stop at the top of Braeriach. Having feasted on the food of athletes ( Pork Pies - The Duracell would approve) the pair took the opportunity to catch forty winks in the brilliant sunshine and deafening silence. If this was not heaven, it was certainly the best place on earth.


Bigman's daughter has gained a healthy appetite for Tesco Chewy bananas supplemented by the Ironman's blue energy jelly beans, even checking they were legal. The store will need to be moved!

Bigman carried the 45 litre rucsack fit for a fortnight's walking safe in the knowledge it would build upper body strength and could even lead to a new weight record at the weigh in next morning. In the high peaks of Scotland you have to plan for all four season's weather happening on the same day. The heat certainly provided plenty of opportunity for dehydration. The diluted flavoured 'highland sping' water was working well at avoiding the de-hydration. The day's exercise ended with a welcome ice cream and a stop of for a futher carb injection at the Chippie in Pitlochry. Second time in two days and steak pie and chips all round. Bigman has not checked in with Ironman about his diet starting however he empathises the temptation of 'the chippie' is too hard to resist :-)