Cairngorms

Was going to work OT as boys are still in the deep south, but.. Barry was on holiday, forecast was promising, so, I rejigged Friday with Saturday, and at 0630 was at Magdalene Towers for Commander Curran and off we went up the A9, left at Kingussie, right at Kincraig, twisted down the deadend road towards Glenfeshie.

Got out, applied sunscreen, and walked. And walked. And walked. Around 20 miles, mostly on land rover tracks, in blazing sun, peaceful surroundings.

We were after (and got) Mullach Clach a Bhlair - 3 and a little bit hours of not too harsh wandering. Had lunch high high high up on the plateau, and then set off for a glimps of one of my favourite views - looking into Loch Einich between Sgor Gaithe and Braeriach. A bog trot later, we were peering into the abyss; it's a stunning spot; I was here 9 years ago, and still as good a spot as any other I've seen in my treks around Scottish hills.

We continued to get scorched as we climbed back up over and descended back to Glen Feshie; views for miles and miles; back in under 7 hours which represents pretty good work. Then drove the five miles to Feshie Bridge and plunged into the icy cold waters for an amazingly invigorating swim, came out alive and grinning like a haddie.

3 hours home with the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and in for a long bath, gnocchi with spinach and blue Shropshire, followed by a long chat with her, an episode or 2 of Breaking Bad and a couple of cool lagers.

Deep deep deep sleep.