The Devil's Point

(or Bod an Deamhain)
The first time I'd been back here since 1990. For our anniversary hillwalk this year we chose the Cairngorms. Starting in the gloom from the Linn of Dee which was shivering at -5C, we cycled up to and beyond Derry Lodge before dumping the bikes in the heather before the going got tough.

Then it was onto the snowy slopes of Carn a Mhaim making fast progress to the summit. The weather was perfect; little or no wind with extensive hazy views to the south. From the summit, we headed north and then dropped down into the Lairig Ghru. From Corrour bothy we climbed up to the headwall of Coire Odhar and were forced to don the crampons to make any progress up the bullet hard neve.

On the summit of the Devil's Point the sun was warming as we marvelled at the magnificent views.

After a quick descent and trudge back to the bikes, it was a pleasure to freewheel back to the car as darkness fell. In the evening we ate at The Gathering Place - a wee gem hidden amongst the tartan tat of Braemar.