Braemar and the Cairngorms, 8-15 August 2020

A week in Braemar, principally for Munros, with Jennifer and Matt from Cheltenham. This trip was plan B as we had to cancel our Ullapool week in June due to lockdown, but turned out to be a very successful week, with predominantly good weather amd over 70 miles walked in total bagging my remaining Cairngorm Munros. Day 1 was Ben Avon in perfect sunshine, and the following day was another long but enjoyable trek to Devil's Point. Birds on these first 2 days included a few Red Grouse flushed, and Redstart and Crossbill in the pine forest. A distant Golden Eagle was also seen, and Ring Ouzel heard. The next day was a rest / caution day in view of a thundery forecast - a couple of hours up at Glenshee gave views of several Mountain Hares (in summer pelage, brown except for their white feet) together with Meadow Pipits, Wheatears, more Red Grouse and a brief flyby female Merlin. Munroing resumed the following day, Derry Cairngorm amd Ben Mheadhoin - more dramatic views with swirling mist, and typical birds including Crossbill, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and Grey Wagtail. My final day was booked at James Roddie's Marten hide on the Black Isle. A long wait, then mother and well-grown kit appeared in the early evening. Red Squirrels provided entertainment while waiting. The finale prior to returning home was the Osprey hide at Aviemore - poor light with fog, but several dives. Final Munros of the week were 2 of the A84 Munros, 4 Dippers on the river being the highlight. No Ptarmigan seen at all, despite 3 days walking in the Cairngorms - apparently a very poor year for them.