We woke on day 2 knowing that this was probably going to be even tougher than day 1: this would be 2 peaks and a steep descent into the Lharig Ghru but with heavy bags.....
After a great breakfast at the ‘Chase the Wild Goose’ hostel during which we met a group of 17 who had unfortunately failed in their attempt at the 3 peaks challenge; choosing to finish at Ben Nevis and then finding difficulty ascending in the dark wedrove to Cairngorm national park (leaving Fort William at approx 0830hrs and saw a Black Grouse on approach to Aviemore).
Our intention was to park at Cairngorm Ski Centre and reach summit of Cairngorm and Ben Macdui, descending into the Lharig Ghru and camping before completing the challenge on day 3 with the ascent of Sgorr an Lochain Uaine, Cairn Toul and Braeriach.
The Ski Centre is at approx 2080ft (635m); parked up in blustery conditions (it nearly blew the car door off its hinges!) and went to discuss our plans at the ranger base who advised against the route due to poor weather for the 11th and deteriorating on 12th (up to 110mph winds). We decided to attempt Cairngorm but to turn back if weather making conditions dangerous.
Managed approx 0.5m of climb (not far short of Ptarmigan station) but with winds up to approx 70mph we decided to abort.
This obviously caused great disappointment as we both knew that this almost certainly meant we would not complete the challenge. It was with some regret that we turned back and off the mountain; knowing that we had made the right decision but also sad that this probably meant the end of the challenge.
Drove back into Glenmore Forest Park and camped in the campsite. Went for a steady run in warm, calm weather (!!!!) around Loch Morlich; this was a beautiful run and made up a bit for the disappointment we were feeling.
We decided that if the weather allowed we would attempt Cairngorm and Ben Macdui the following day, which would allow us to complete 6 of the 9 intended mountains.
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