Stunning views from Carn a' Mhaim

I have been fortunate enough to have had some brilliant views this year and it is not often that I would describe views as jaw dropping but today was certainly that. The Munro Carn a’ Mhaim, 1037m was today’s hill. The photos here do not do it a fraction of the justice the scenery deserves.
We started from the Linn of Dee parking area and took he long walk through Glen Lui stopping at the abandoned Derry Lodge for a break. Such a shame nobody has taken this on as a hostel.

Sunlit trees

A nice forest walk to start with the sun streaming through the trees.
The walk follows the River Dee, a great salmon river, no doubt these high reaches are impressive spawning grounds. The native Scots pine forests in this landscape are just magnificent. 

Over bridge to the Lairig Ghru trail

From here we are already getting views of our objective. After about 3 and a half miles we followed the Lairig Ghru trail and crossed the Luibeg burn via the new bridge on the way up but bravely forded the river on the way back. This new bridge was constructed after a flash flood destroyed the old one.

New Luibeg bridge

There is a now a clear track for the ascent and it becomes a well laid stepping stone ladder pretty much all the way up. 

The final climb

This is a pretty steep gradient for over 300 metres so plenty of opportunity to stop, rest, look back and take it all in. Derry Cairngorm is in view to our left and I spot walkers at the top.

Unfussed ptarmigan

Another mountain regular, unfussed with humans ptarmigan, surveys us from its rocky perch. Unconcerned enough to turn its back on us and start preening its feathers.
The path becomes just boulders for a short section but the route is clear and simple to read.

Looking up the Lairig Grhu

Finally the top is reached and boy what stunning views are the reward for the effort of getting here. Just stand, look around and be very grateful to be here on this day enjoying this spectacle.

Spot the bothy

Corrour bothy looks a long way away down there guarded by The Devils Point so impressive. The track up from the bothy to the Point looks a might steep one from here.

Glen Geusachan & Devils point

The river Dee meanders below and ahead in the Lairig Ghru.
Glen Geusachan looks menacing and very isolated.

Cairn Toul

The huge mountains of Cairn Toul, Braeriach and Ben MacDui encircle us, alongside the numerous others.

Impressive Coire Bhrochain

I could spend all day here but time to make the long trek back to the cars.
Simply superb I cannot rate it highly enough.

Time: 7.18
Distance: 14.35m
Ascent: 2342ft