Glentrek

13/02/2026

Cat Law 13-02-26 - First real blue sky for over a month and a day without rain. We got up this morning not really intending to go anywhere except walk Buster but the conversation went from the usual walk to the Airlie Tower to Cat Law in 5 mins. A quick pack of the rucksacks and short drive saw us head up from Balintore. The ground was really firm and frozen to about 500m then we started to encounter some fresh snow. Took a direct line on really good snow all the way to the top where the Eastern Highlands looked totally Artic. Met an old friend Scott at the top who we hadn't seen for years and chatted at the shelter cairn. Descended pretty quickly retracing our steps. A quick up and down day and totally the other side of the country from last week. Just a word of caution even on 2000ft hills it's full winter conditions out there especially in that biting North Wind.

07/02/2026

Rois-Bheinn 06-02-26 - After 5 weeks of waking up every day to rain/sleet/snow a change of strategy was needed. Looking to the West where they were getting unseasonably dry weather coupled with sheer desperation to get some dry daylight in the bones meant a trip to the far West. This is usually climbed as a group of 3 Corbetts which is quite a big day for this time of year so opted to break the group up a bit and do this as a shorter single hill day from Roshven on Loch Ailort. The further West we got the better and clearer the weather, the hills to the far West had little snow and were pretty dry. Set off from the road up a trackless but very dry route although we did find an ATV track which helped a bit. Once higher up the wind was pretty powerful and Janey was getting buffeted about a bit. Amazing views out to Rum , Eigg and Skye. To the North Knoydart looked great as did the Glenfinnan hills. A respite from the rain and another Corbett.

07/02/2026

Think Winter - A write up and some thoughts from myself regarding Winter time in the mountains.

Behind every winter rescue is a team of volunteers who train and prepare to respond in some of Scotland’s toughest conditions.
We spoke to long-serving Mountain Rescue volunteer Mike about what he sees year after year, and how better planning could prevent callouts.
Before you head out, ThinkWINTER.

👉 https://www.scottishmountainrescue.org/thinkwinter-behind-the-scenes-of-winter-mountain-rescue/

Mountaineering Scotland Mountain Training Glenmore Lodge Police Scotland DMBinS Scottish Avalanche Information Service

29/01/2026

Some great tips regarding taking dogs out on the Winter Mountains.

20/01/2026

Really good advice and on the tops wind speeds can be double what they are at the base of a hill.

19/01/2026

Sgor Mor 19-01-26 - From Linn of Dee and another Corbett that I haven't been up for a while. Forecast was reasonable and decided on a route (or close to) which is in the brand new Corbett guide book. Was joined today by Jordan who has recently joined Mountain Rescue. The car park was very quiet and we set off on the walk to White bridge then staying on river left of the Dee followed the path NW before heading straight up Sgor Mor. Cloud was hovering about when we reached the summit plateau but cleared briefly to take a photo or two. We hung about for a while then walked West and headed South back to the main track. For a January day was pretty decent but the big Cairngorms looking very atmospheric and Arctic.

17/01/2026

Meall a Bhuachaille 16-01-26 - A trip to Glenmore near Aviemore to do this Corbett circuit. This was a good choice for today as weather was coming in from the South. Started near Glenmore Lodge walking along past An Lochan Uaine to Ryvoan Bothy. The track was pretty much hard packed snow and ice but ok on the edges. From there we headed up the well trodden snow and ice covered path where we put our crampons on for the lower section. Once higher the snow was more blown so took crampons off and headed to the prominent cairn at the summit. The summit is a great viewpoint for the Northern Cairngorms where the cloud was coming and going. Descended back to the car and nipped into Glenmore Lodge for a coffee. A new Corbett for Janey and Buster ! 25 years since I'd been up here and checking back my records was the final day of a 3 day Spring trip which also took in Sgor Gaoith (and tops) and The Eastern ridge of Beinn Eighe (and tops) . Oh the good old days .

12/01/2026

Good advice here !!

07/01/2026

X-Country skiing at Freuchies (Glen Isla) - The North East has had wee bit of snow to say the least out but surprisingly little has fallen in the Glen Isla area. We did manage a wee bit the other day up here but with an overnight dump of snow thought I'd give it another go. "Ski Trails" are marked on the map but I think it's many years since anything has been put in (although there was a faint line the other day). I think there was another 6" on top of what was there and had been packed down by a vehicle so made good going to Loch Shandra. A Farmer then passed me clearing the way which kind of flattened the track but was still ok to weave through. Higher up it was pretty deep and the snow was sticking to my skis. Went to the high point of the track NW of the Crock for some photos and retraced back. The initial decent down wasn't great due to deep snow but once on the beaten track managed (well just about) to stay on my skis back to the car park..."Mush Buster"

13/12/2025

Mt Battock 12-12-25 (And a few recent photos) - A break in the poor weather saw myself and GP head to Glen Esk. This is Scotland's most Easterly Corbett and on a good day is a great view point as you can see from the coast to the Cairngorms. Started near Milden Lodge passing a massive Xmas shooting party. There is an extensive track system on the hill making the going very good. Chilly and windy on the top but like a Spring day lower down.. Have included a few other MRT photos from the last week or 2 in Glenshee and Derry Lodge. Really shows the changes in weather and conditions that happen this time of year.

02/12/2025

Some good advice from Mountaineering Scotland !!

28/11/2025

Some advice regarding micro spikes V crampons. Where they can be used and where they definitely shouldn't be used.

Basically saying if a slip can become a slide then you are on crampon / axe terrain.

Know the difference - Micro spikes and Crampons 🥾

Micro spikes work well for icy paths and compacted snow on low-angle terrain, while crampons are essential for steep, technical routes where slips could have serious consequences.

Join our microspikes vs crampons course to learn the essential topics regarding traction devices, including:

🔹Physical differences, definitions and types
🔹Advantages and disadvantages of each
🔹Where and when to use each
🔹Key considerations
🔹Safety and planning
🔹Decision making and doubt

🗓 Friday 19 December
📍Cairngorms

Book now: https://tinyurl.com/ybpjvcx3