Day 4
Monday 15th May - Achallader to Rannoch Forest
Breakfast was a subdued affair, in that we both had hangovers again and Dave the added issue of only being able to breath through his mouth; therefore eating and talking simultaneously was out of the question.
However it was taken under a beautiful blue sky with the west highland railway line behind us and the stunning Rannoch Moor beginning to open out in front, to the north.
Once packed we began up the track towards Gorton bothy, a steady amble which in all the circumstances suited us fine. I have long had a fondness for Rannoch Moor and all its bleakness. Not being a Munro ticker offer, I enjoy the wilderness scenery so much. I will toil up hills if the mood takes me.
For me, and we are all different, the intensity of brooding places such as Rannoch Moor and the Lairig Ghru, is irresistible. I realise that the watershed on the Lairig Ghru is extremely high in itself, but somehow belittled by the giants along its sides.
Anyway after a brew at the bothy (yes so soon!) we continued to cross the railway line where it disappears into the forest north east of Gorton bothy. Is it me, or is there something childishly enjoyable about being on a railway line? Even though no trains were due, and it was only for a few hundred yards, I did and still do find it so exciting!! Then following the forest line NE and a bearing we made our way around the north western flanks of Garbh Mheall. Once round them we picked up the track NE through the forest arriving just short of the bridge at NN 521533 by late afternoon. It was now, we decided, a good time to camp by the river as the sky was beginning to look ominously dark.
Very soon after the tents were up, water was collected from the river and the evening feeding process began.
"Look at that!" was the excited shout from Dave.
I looked out instinctively, it was snowing!
We had spent the day walking in glorious sunshine, and so looking forward to a good feed and relaxing outside in the balmy evening warmth. Never mind, we had had a lovely day. And sober!
