Timing IS Everything

As there had been a significant difference in the snowfall amounts between Lochnagar and the North Cairngorms yesterday morning, I decided to go to Beinn a'Bhuird today to see what had happened in the 'middle ground'. Given that there was 15cm of soft snow on the lower track and averaging 30cm drifted on the path, and I was cycling in from Inverey, it may not have been the easiest option for the day.

No 4x4 for me - it was strictly one-wheel drive. The 'offs' were in double figures!

Trail breaking required at present - Take a mate with you!

Unfortunately for me I got my timing all wrong: as I climbed up An Diollaid the cloud rolled in and above 900 metres there was no visibility. So the plan to take photos of the Dubh Lochan corrie didn't happen. To make matters worse, as I descended back into Glen Quoich, the cloud cleared to blue skies!

The Quoich is one of my favourite glens and the woodlands 

looked beautiful with a covering of snow 

The sun breaking through the cloud to light up Quoich Water

The shelter on An Diollaid - not really up to the job at the moment

Good indicator of recent wind direction / deposition though!

So the forecast is suggesting that the cold calm weather will continue, and I'm hoping to improve my timing and select a mountain that has a view tomorrow!