LETTERS
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Postal address The Editor, The Great Outdoors, Kelsey Publishing Ltd, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent ME18 6AL. Please include a phone number and postal address.
Best of days A TGO reader shared a moment of nostalgia about one of his finest winter days, on Beinn a’ Bhuird in March 1972. Those who have read the book Mountain Days and Bothy Nights by Ian R Mitchell and David Brown will be familiar with the character Fishgut Mac. This is he... My companions Lund, Adrian, The Clerk and I set off that morning in Adrian’s old Morris van. We managed to get it up the Glen Lui track as far as the snow line. The snow had fallen deep, partially melted and consolidated. It had frozen solid overnight, making the way to the South Top easy walking – just like a concrete path. On the top, conditions were superb. No wind, no cloud and an easy stroll along to the North Top. Visibility was good and we had a panoramic view of the Cairngorms.
Days like these more than compensate for others when you struggle against the elements, sometimes getting soaked through or having to turn back because the gusts of wind are lifting you completely off your feet. This was one of my best winter days ever, under the blazing sun.
My clothes and gear [above] were different to that of today’s walkers, but served me well. Due to my age I no longer walk the hills, but memories of days like these make me glad I did. Gear may change, walkers change, but the hills remain.
[right] Lottie Grimely-Dutton (@ lottie.inthewild /Instagram) “One of the most incredible moments I’ve witnessed in the mountains was seeing a fogbow for the first time on Glyder Fawr, Eryri. It’s surreal with a touch of winter magic!”
[below] Jamie Neill (@jamieneill scotland/Instagram) “This is Corrin Skye Neill on Ben Vorlich with me and her mum, Nikki.
