Cairngorms Reflections

I sat watching as the clouds scuddered across the Cairngorm massif in the distance. The rain visible over the tallest peaks, whilst snow dusted the top of those in the very distance.

I felt as if I could breathe for the first time in a long while, the cold, fresh air was soothing, a wake up call. I felt my shoulders unfurl from around my ears, it felt as if I had come home.

We arrived in the Cairngorms for ten glorious days on a very hot, humid Saturday afternoon. The drive had been long and torturous as we longed to arrive and set up camp. We were going to be camping in Glenmore, an old and ancient woodland not far from Aviemore. With Loch Morlich just a stones throw away and views of the epic mountains, it was the perfect place to base ourselves.

That night we sat in our tent, watching the rain lashing down, a small dram warming us both, it felt good to be back. The rain was set to be our constant companion on this trip, we set off for Loch Morlich the following day, enjoying the incredible Caledonian woodland that surrounds it, as the rain hit again, we hid in the small ski cafe in Glenmore watching weary hikers and walkers getting drenched outside.

We were incredibly lucky later that evening, the sun chased away the rain and we wandered to the loch again. The sun glistened on the still calm water and we meandered along the soft warm sand, enjoying the silence and solitude. There was no one else around as we sat there soaking up the views and warmth. The imposing mountains in the distance glowed gold under the setting sun and I sat in awe.

The mountains feel like home to me, these huge imposing hills could tell us many stories if they talk, the highest peaks still had a slight dusting of snow, whilst others slunk into the shadows as the sun sank lower and lower.

After the stunning spectacle, we headed back to the tent where we poured over our maps and books, planning the following days adventure, but that’s a post for a another time.

Now home, I miss those views, I miss the mountains, the loch and the feeling of solitude. I miss the deafening silence and the sounds of nature lulling me to sleep, as I stay cocooned in my sleeping bag. Food and a brew taste so much better outdoors. I long for the dirtbag life, the life of sleeping in tents or a van, watching the sunsets and sunrises and being outdoors more often. Its so good for the soul…..