Posted by: blogpackinglight | 24 April 2008

Forecast

Just looked at the weather forecast for the Grampian region for 29th April to 8th May:

“The outlook for much of this forecast period is still rather unsettled with few, if any signs of summer arriving. The first week is likely to be dominated with low pressure sitting close to, or even over the British Isles. This is likely to bring rain or showers to many areas, heavy at times, and perhaps occasionally wintry over the mountains of Scotland at first. Temperatures are likely to be around or a little below normal for the time of year. Thereafter, into the weekend and the following week, it looks set to remain generally unsettled and showery, though towards the end of the period there is a slight hint of drier, and warmer conditions for southwestern parts.”

I was lulled into a false sense of optimism by the generally warmer weather down South over the past few days. Looks like the Akto + Pipedream 600 + full Paramo are the most likely gear choices!

 

Posted in pictures & trips

« Haglofs Rhya shirt
Forecast feedback »

Responses

I drove past the Cairngorms a week ago on my way back from a camping trip - there is masses and masses of Spring snow - the whole range looks absolutely magnificent. I’d just expect the weather to be very variable, so easily adjustable clothes are a good idea, and perhaps bear in mind that with all that snow melting (if it does) rivers may be deeper than you expect. The ground will be cold, so don’t skimp on your sleeping mat. What were you thinking of doing for footwear? Have a good trip.

By: Jerry (aka ALoveSupreme) on 24 April 2008
at 9:20 pm

I would agree with that. Last Saturday I was coming back from Torridon, where serious snow started at about 800m, and the snow on the Cairngorms as I drove past seemed to be solid all the way down. I doubt if much will have melted since then.

By: Simon on 25 April 2008
at 3:37 pm

Thanks guys, that’s really helpful. My route doesn’t go above 800m (The Saddle nr. Glen Avon is the highest point). I think I might take a full length Thermarest rather than my Torsolite. I may also take my Akto footprint. There’s only a couple of places where river crossing might be tricky. I’ll make contingency plans.

ALS, I’m going to wear my Aku Icaros.

By: blogpackinglight on 25 April 2008
at 6:30 pm

Full length mat definitely good idea! Otherwise you are lying on ground not far off freezing. Not quite so sure about the footprint - the ground is mostly nice soft comfy grass and heather and tundra. I’ve an Akto too and wouldn’t worry about it’s groundsheet where you’re going. And I’ve some Icaros as it happens; what nice boots they are. Have you some small ankle type gaiters? I’ve some wee paclite ones, which I wear if there’s snow or rain. Otherwise it’s all too easy to get a bootful of snow, or for the rain to run off your waterproof trousers straight into your boots, and on such a long trip as you are doing gaiters can help keep the worst out and your feet and boots dry. Handy for crossing streams too. One bootful of snow or cold rain turns very quickly into one cold wet foot, and a sodden sock. Another thing worth saying is that, since there is still a lot of snow, the water in the streams is almost freezing - so drinking as much as you should do to stay hydrated is sometimes hard, because the water is so cold, so maybe budget a little extra fuel for more warm drinks than you would otherwise consume, or remember to drink a little but often so you don’t get chilled from the water.

Simon: if I’d known you were in Torridon I’d have waved - we had a sensational view from Meall nan Ceapraichean, but boy the snow was hard work on the way in to our camp at the Lochan to it’s north - knee deep powder and worse higher up. Yet three days later it was like concrete.

By: Jerry (aka ALoveSupreme) on 25 April 2008
at 9:23 pm

I’ll be interested to see how useful you think the footprint is. I’m an Akto user, but don’t have a footprint. If I did then, given the conditions I saw in the Cairngorms, I don’t think that I would take it. On usefulness:weight grounds.

By: Simon on 25 April 2008
at 11:20 pm

Leave a response






Your response:

Categories