An outstanding winter walk, two White Mounth Munros

Hill: Mayar(High Plain)(928) & Dreish (probably Obscure)(947)
Category: Munro
Height: circuit c835m
I had been waiting to do these hills for yonks and finally the day arrived. I had been told that once you exit the woods the view of the bowl/ampitheatre are so good, make sure you leave it for a good day to enjoy it. So today the forecast was good and that day had arrived. 
Walkhighlands description helps the juices of anticipation flow: ‘A stunning ascent through picturesque Corrie Fee leads up to the extensive rolling plateau above - visiting the summits of Mayar and Driesh. With the descent on the excellent Kilbo path back to Glendoll forest at the head of Glen Clova’. For the east coasters Driesh is one of the best-known and most climbed Munros.
I have also been intrigued by the two unusual names, what kind of double act are they?

Snow capped mountains glimpsed from the start

It had been the coldest night of the year so during the drive I entered heavy fog and doubts were setting in but with about half a dozen miles to go it all cleared and what a drive down the glen, so beautiful.
My next stage of doubting set in when I reached the turn at the Glen Clova hotel to be greeted with a sign ‘Road Closed’. What I have come so far for this!! Just then a local farmer appeared and said I should be okay just be polite when you reach the workies. I was almost at the car park before I met them creating passing areas. Suitably polite, the charm worked and the workies decided it was tea break time and moved their vans, great guys.
A bit later than planned I arrived at the Glen Doll car park to find about a dozen cars, more polite people? Geared up, paid the £2 parking charge and off I headed. 
From the start there is a great view of the Scorrie - the steep shoulder of Driesh, very imposing. Looking through the trees another snow topped hill.
You can do the circuit either way and it is easier to go clockwise up the gentle gradient of the Kilbo path but I wanted the views of Corrie Fee so took the long forest track. Birds singing again as if it is spring, just wait until tomorrow little birdies!

Corrie Fee heading for left of the waterfall

Climbing all the time until I reached the forest end, was it worth it, absolutely. The amphitheatre bowl shape of the corrie is now in full view, worth the walk alone.

Path meanders through the glacial moraines

A flat walk along the corrie bottom, icy segments easily avoided. The problem was keeping an eye on the track instead of the magnificent scenery.
The path is excellent and climbs in a winding fashion to the left of the superb waterfall and it was steep, plenty of stops for the views.

Looking back down on the corrie floor

However after a while it was constant ice so crampon time and the spikes did the trick, walking became easier. At least from a slipping perspective, just ignore the stressful puffing and panting. Last nights pub visit now seeming like a mistake.
The walk description talks of a gentle climb up the last section. As I plunged knee deep in drifts I was not convinced. This was very hard work, knee deep at times. All the major snow was lying on this short section. A deep plunge through a drift into a burn just missed. Close one. Additionally the sun had appeared over the horizon, so bright it was blinding. Excuse for a breather to put goggles on.

Icy flat top of Mayar

Still toiling upwards I was more than pleased to reach the icy summit. A few minutes earlier in the deep snow I really had thought it might be a trip too far in these conditions.
Still not to be and the rewards were here. Some great views across the plateau and over the Northern Glen Shee hills and nearby Lochnagar appeared to be snow free, not fair. There also were a lot of estate tracks scarring the landscape.

Path to Dreish clearly seen on the plateau 

The path across the wide plateau towards Dreish was obvious and I could even see some of the car park occupants heading that way.
The plateau was excellent walking but the temperature was certainly below zero with the wind chill factor, great visibility, take in the views. There is also an old occasional dilapidated fenceline to follow if required. 

Little Dreish front and the big boy behind

When I started up the climb to Dreish 4 figures had stopped half way up Little Dreish, probably taking a break but my bad side said they were laughing at me. I had the last laugh as none of them had any sort of spike for the descent.
Surprisingly the ascent went better than it looked and another plateau was reached.
I was heading for a small cairn but clearly this was not the top. 

Big cairn on an even flatter top than Mayar

Soon the trig point and the large shelter cairn summit of Driesh comes into view. Backwater reservoir looks huge shimmering in the haze, it was large (see Hare Cairn report)
It was too cold to hang about for long. Popped into the cairn shelter for a few minutes for some coffee and quickly off again.
I retraced my steps and spotted a white coated mountain hare (my 2nd in a few weeks) running ahead of me. I had noticed plenty of tracks & droppings so pleased to actually see one.

On descent Mayar top left and the Kilbo descent path to the right

I reached a short cut off which took me to the Kilbo path. A couple I met earlier had came up it without crampons and said I would be pleased to have them on the descent, yip it was solid ice. 
The steep path leads down the side of the Shank of Drumfollow with good views of the bowl between Dreish and The Scorrie. 

Weather front starting to close in from the west

Looking back the summits were now cloud covered, one of the forecasts had said light snow by 3pm, glad I was on my way down.
Just after the forest I crossed the Burn of Kilbo using the stepping stones and immediately stepped into a mud hole, curses aloud my boots had been clean all walk. A wade in the burn sorted that.
A deforested section opens up the views before rejoining the out track near the parking.
Another outstanding short day out, completed in good time despite my weakness going up the Corrie Fee. Exceeded my expectations on a blue sky day. Now for that beer.

Wildlife: Red Squirrel (pair): Buzzard; Chaffinch; Wren; Robin; Ermine mountain hare,
Time: 4.52
Ascent: 864m
Distance: 15.4km