Morrone a straightforward Corbett with stunning views and new butterflies

Hill: Morrone (The Big Nose)
Category: Corbett
Height: 859

A forecast of wet and windy in the west meant me following Judith’s tip (BBC weather) of heading to the east so Braemar was the pick.

Morrone from track start

I parked in the village centre car park, free parking and toilets and walked through the town heading up the road, passing the site where the Highland Gathering is being readied. At the top of this road there is a car park you could use if time was an issue.

I walked on by following the signed track. A short while later in a different brain world I followed the circular route until I slowly realised height not being gained so back tracked to the main path.

Easy tourist track

Follow the sign right and now you cannot go wrong as the path meanders up the hillside. It is a tourist hill so a wide track at times.

So far so good no rain but windy and cold so light jacket on.

Braemar

Looking around there are super views of Braemar and the hills behind. On my left Lochnagar stands out.

5 cairns

Not sure why but there are five small cairns ahead but they are a marker to pass as you head for the mast summit, built to increase reception for the mountain rescue. 

Barren but mast now in sight

Very few people on the hill today but amidst this desolate landscape section I spot a mountain hare.

Messy summit

Now on top, there is a round trig and the wider all round views are superb from Lochnagar via Cairnwell via the Cairngorm massifs, although all the west Munro tops still in cloud so a good choice staying a bit lower. 

View to Lochnagar

Despite the biting wind time is spent taking it all in trying to identify all of the tops and passes.

Descent track

Rather than just take the up and down like everyone else I saw today I walked the long way round. A hard packed service road is not easy walking for the descent but the views make up for it and you cannot go wrong. Apart from one girl coming up, so well wrapped up I felt for her, not another person on the descent.

Old road back to Braemar

Head down amidst the grouse moors, sprung quite a few of them, then down below follow the old road round Morrone, alongside the river back to Braemar.

Good old Judith was right, mixed weather but no rain, a good day for a walk.

Happy sunflowers

Even some sunflowers to bring brightness to the day and a smile to my face.

Final stretch across the beautiful golf course which is deserted, why? Butterflies are flying I have grainy not well focused snaps of what I believe is the Northern Brown Argus, and also a Mountain Ringlet two firsts.
A good choice and another excellent walk. Looking forward to Mount Blair tomorrow.
Wildlife: A single mountain hare, Red Grouse, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Northern Brown Argus, Mountain Ringlet.
Time: 3.12
Ascent: 605m
Distance: 13.2k