Tiring for the wrong reasons.....Derry Cairngorm

Hill: Derry Cairngorm (The Blue hill of Glen Derry)

Type: Munro

Height: 1155m

After the previous nights stop start sleep I slept soundly last night and awoke at 6am feeling fully refreshed, but more to follow.

I arrived at the Linn of Dee car park around an hour later and what a greeting the midgies were ferocious and they love biting me. Jacket fully zipped and hooded, glasses on, I quickly removed the bike from the back, boots on and cycling as quickly as I could.

Luckily I had kept on my light jacket from the midge protection as it was on the cool side when I cycled to Derry Lodge. 

The forest section ahead with Creag Bad an-t Seabhaig beyond

Upon arrival at the lodge and securing my bike the car park midgies cousins erupted so I was very quickly on my way across the bridge.

Apart from the buzzing of bees on the beautiful pink/purple heather it was silent as I made my way up the ever steepening track.

I had been surprised at my sound sleep, not normal for me to sleep so deeply. On the bike ride my legs did not feel too good and as I steeply ascended I was very chesty. I had two prominent insect bites from yesterday and I suspect one of these was responsible.

Now I was wondering how far I would get on today's ramble. I therefore had less focus on how nice a start this was. Upwards through the tree lined heather on a very good rising path the only sound apart from the bees and my heavy breathing was a small family of Coal Tits moving through the trees. They got quite agitated at one point but I could not see any predator.

I had a few short stops which were much required as I knew I was struggling a bit. The last break was where I took half a banana and an energy gell and these made all the difference. I have never known a nutrition hit to energise me so much. 

Easier walking and thus easier breathing

Mind and body improved, even more so when I cleared the steep ascent at Creag Bad an t-Seabhaig and the vista started to open up. An unexpected wow moment as I took it all in, the steep start was now worth it.

It was still much colder than expected. Blame the midgies, I had grabbed a lightweight jacket from the car but it was designed more for waterproofing than warmth.

Still looking at the summits ahead and around there was still a lot more cloud shrouding them, maybe the wet gear would be required.

I was really enjoying this open section with all round fantastic views. The first sighting of Derry was with a clear summit but at the next sighting it was cloud covered, one of those days.

View into Glen Derry and a very dry Derry Burn. Beinn Bhreac behind Beinn a' Bhurd behind that again.

Onwards and upwards, bypassing Carn Crom I now had Little Cairngorm in sight. Eventually this lump blocked out views of Derry itself. I had not realised that the term ‘Derry’ was a relatively recent addition as the hill was previously known simply as Cairngorm. But then you have had two in the region with the same name, hence the addition of Derry. Although does it matter, there are 3 Corbetts named Carn Dearg’s in the Fort William section.

Ben Macdui

Little Cairngorm

There were some smashing views on either side as I ascended which helped break the hike as I rested and checked what I was looking at.

As is frequently the case a nice ramble is spoiled by the final section to the summit. In this case a large boulder field which led to quite a few hands on manoeuvres and a few sweary words before I reached the summit.

Northern Cairngorms

Beinn Mheadhoin ahead and Beinn a' Chaorainn on right

Lochan Uaine

Thankfully no cloud up top with excellent views all round apart from Beinn Mheadhoin which did still have cloud cover so I did not get a view of its main feature, its Torrs.

I had considered doing it as well but it was now a hot day and my legs were feeling it. Knowing when to stop is as important on the hills as when out for a drink. 

Getting over this stuff is easier going up than down

The positive aspect of not going further was that I got to enjoy a leisurely descent taking in all the glorious views.

Although it wasn't as peaceful as the ascent. There was a lot of helicopter activity with a pair of very noisy Chinooks both in glens or hovering above ridges, possibly civilian hires bringing materials for repairing tracks etc. but they covered a fair amount of ground.

But the special moment was just as I passed Carn Crom. I heard a fighter jet down in Glen Derry and new it must be close and within seconds it had crested the ridge just in front of me. I have never been so close to a fighter plane, what a noise, ears pounding but a stunning sight. The plane did a full 360 degree roll, not for my benefit I’m sure, before heading towards Glen Tilt. Never mind the Munro that made my day.

Cracking spot for a break

No more drama on the descent. I stopped for my last break with excellent views of the descent where I had struggled earlier plus looking down on the start of the Lairig Ghru which brought back memories from last year.

Final descent and a view of Glen Lui for the ride bike

Collected my bike and cycled back to the car with no midgies at either spot.

A good ramble and it was just enough. When I got back to my digs I showered and fell asleep for almost 2 hours, not normal, blamed those bloody insects.

PS: After this away trip I was still fatigued a couple of weeks later so I went to my GP and got a full set of bloods including my 1st Lyme's disease test. All negative so good news on that front. Also it was good that I waited as the GP said they will not do a Lyme's Disease test until 2 weeks after a bite.

Ascent: 943m

Distance: 23.2

Time: 6.02 (Bike/Hike)

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Raven; Coal Tit;