Anyone with experience, subject matter expertise and or crystal ball willing to offer incite on expected conditions and need for particular gear to pass through the Lairig grhu mid May this year?

Asking for a friend.

Thank you.

I can't help directly, not having been over the pass recently, but I walked through the Cairngorms on the Lairig an Laoigh a couple of weeks ago and the amount of snow remaining at this time of year was unusually high. The shoulder of Bynack More was passable and lies at roughly the same elevation as the Lairig Ghru, so I'd imagine that conditions over the boulder choke on the Lairig will be similar. A lady I spoke to complained of white-out conditions on top of Bynack More.

Just last week I drove past Aviemore. where it was evident that the snow levels on the high ground are still substantial. It's been a cold spring in Scotland and, as yet, there's no sign of any significant increase in temperature. If a warmer spell and a thaw does set in then snow depletion could be very rapid but that's in the lap of the gods. Should it stay chilly then the Lairig Ghru is likely to be boasting snow fields over its high ground, so will require greater care than usual.

I'd just comment that in the south and the west, most of the snow has gone from the hills, the problem being limited to the eastern side of the Highlands. There's still a couple of weeks to go so matters could change.

Thank you.

From YouTube. Conditions at Easter were ok

https://youtu.be/kNo_SvWF15E

My planned route takes me N from Blair Athol. Your video looks encouraging. Hauling katoolas or similar seems unnecessary. May use FWA through Glen feshie if weather dictates. Starting with spent knee, so….,?

Thank you.

Something to think about Shaun......If the weather is bad, you still have to get over the Bynack Burn and the R. Geldie to get onto the track up Glen Geldie and you also have to ford Allt Dhaidh Mor before you get to the watershed with Glen Feshie. I managed to fill my boots with cold water crossing Allt Dhaidh Mor earlier this year in dry conditions, in spate it would be impassable.

brian,

thanks. yep the venters mentioned the potential for burns in spate same as you. sounds like some cross country might be needed if I stick to the route.

Had shoulder repair in October that interfered with winter training. weight gain and fitness decrease resulted. now knee is telling me that our 69+ year relationship is nearing an end. Steriod injection seems to have harmed more than helped.

Anyway, I may have to alter route when I get to Blair Athol and do something easier in order to maintain schedule to finish. very aggressive 14 days with average of 18 miles and 1800 +/- feet of ascent per day. Might be more than I can accomplish. won't know until day 15!

Might need to abort mission and visit with the Hermit of Loch Treig. Maybe interview to replace him when that's necessary.

Here's a link to the initial version of my planned route. made a few modifications using Anquet app that are not reflected in the route linked below. See any location(s) where our routes intersect?

thanks again for advise.

hope you are well and prospering

https://caltopo.com/m/GQT5C

Shaun E. Sexton
chugiak, ak

I'll be going pretty much the same way as you between Loch Eigheach near Rannoch Station & White Bridge, but a day behind. If you need to alter your plans for the Moray Coast, let me know, I'll be doing the same kind of route that you did last year, but if you need another, overweight, cripple for support to get you to the East coast, I could maybe help.

be careful what you wish for.