Carn a’Mhaim (Munro) 1014m: Tuesday 10th May 2016
I set a moth trap in the Morrone Birkwood last night in the hope of an improved catch. But the night's have been clear and cold and I fared little better. I did obtain one species new to me, Autumn Green Carpet - which as it's name implies flies in the autumn but is another species that overwinters as the adult.
Carn a'Mhaim: A long walk in along Glen Lui from the Linn of Dee would have been easier on a bike, but was nevertheless very pleasant in the perfect walking weather we had today. On the first part of the approach we could not see our target, and when it did come into view it still looked a very long way off. Eventually we got there and were rewarded with the best mountain views we have yet had on this trip. From the summit of Carn a’Mhaim an arête runs NNW to join a path up Ben Macdui (the 2nd highest mountain in Britain), which dominates the view to the north. To the West is the deep ‘U’-shaped valley of the upper River Dee and high above this on the far side the long ridge from the Devils Point to Braeriach (the 3rd highest mountain in Britain). A long way to the South-East we could see the Glenshee ski area and could make out the long route we had done 2 days ago on the far side of the Cairnwell pass. The only thing spoiling the dramatic views was the strong wind that had been increasing as we ascended. There was surprisingly little wildlife to see (other than plants) on the way in and out, but we did find 3 pairs of Ptarmigan on the summit and glimpsed a Merlin on our way out.
Distance: 22.5km, Ascent: 648m |