Ben Rinnes.

There was no snow at Hopeman, but as we drove inland and up into the hills, it was obvious from the amount of snow on the main roads that there had been another good covering overnight. We were concerned that the  unclassified road up to the parking area at the start of our walk would be dodgy, but when we got there the local farmer had made a better job of clearing the track than the council had made of the main roads.

Setting off up Ben Rinnes

We parked up and after a chat with a fell runner who had just been up to the top and back, we set off in full winter gear. 

Rafe near the start of our ascent of Ben Rinnes

The walk started off on the zig zags out of the glen on 10cm or so of snow, but this increased quickly and the going got progressively harder. 

Ben Rinnes

The snow had blown into the path and was knee deep (at least) so we moved up onto the edges and followed the prints of the fell runner through the heather. 

Little Conval from the ascent of Ben Rinnes

As we ascended and the view got better, the wind increased and as it was from the north, it was a touch chilly.

Views south to Corryhabbie Hill from the ascent of Ben Rinnes

The snow had a hard crust by now, so we could walk across the top for the most part. The occasional soft bit had us floundering to our knees. 

Drifts on Ben Rinnes

The weather forecast had been for crystal clear views. It wasn't quite as good as that, but it was definitely worth the effort across the snow fields in the strong wind. 

Rafe and Jim ascend Ben Rinnes

Views south from the ascent of Ben Rinnes

Rafe and Jim ascend Ben Rinnes

Rafe and Jim with views to
Scurran of Lochterlandroch (summit of Ben Rinnes)

Rafe was loving the snow, bounding from drift to drift, chasing the blowing snow, and digging holes. 

Views south from the ascent of Ben Rinnes to Corryhabbie Hill 

Rafe and Jim get nearer to
Scurran of Lochterlandroch (summit of Ben Rinnes)

We were lucky enough to see a ptarmigan in winter plumage near the summit, but I wasn't quick enough with the camera. 

Blowing snow on Ben Rinnes

Corryhabbie Hill and friends from Ben Rinnes

Frosty heather on Ben Rinnes

Jim nears the summit of Ben Rinnes

Views to Scurran of Lochterlandroch (summit of Ben Rinnes)

 By Scurran of Lochterlandroch (summit of Ben Rinnes)

Rafe near Scurran of Lochterlandroch (summit of Ben Rinnes)

It was raw at the summit, a frozen blue windblown icefield on the northern facing slopes - not a place to hang about. (The estimated wind chill was -14C ).

Scurran of Lochterlandroch (summit of Ben Rinnes, Corbett, 841m)

Scurran of Lochterlandroch (summit of Ben Rinnes)

Views south west from near the summit of Ben Rinnes

We slipped out of the wind and into the sun, among the rocks to the south, dug a seat in the snow and had lunch and a hot drink, whilst taking in the beauty of the Cairngorms laid out before us. Summit after summit of snow blown gloriousness as far as the eye could see, and that was quite a long way.... 

Views south east from near the summit of Ben Rinnes

South from Ben Rinnes

Rafe near the summit of Ben Rinnes

We couldn't sit still for too long though and we headed down from the summit rocks through the drifts. The snow had softened in the sun and we sank in with every step, but as we were descending it was fun rather than arduous. We ran down through the drifting snow, blowing on the increasing winds.

Descent from Ben Rinnes - Rafe and Jim

When we dropped behind the sheltering shoulder of the hill it felt balmy, even warm in the sun, so the final half mile was a pleasant saunter. What a wonderful day...

Looking back to Scurran of Lochterlandroch (summit of Ben Rinnes)
There are a couple of people on the path for perspective !

Route: Car parking area by minor road (NJ284359), footpath south then west to Round Hill (425m), Roys Hill (535m), Black Banks, Scurran of Lochterlandroch (summit of Ben Rinnes, Corbett, 841m) return to start.

Statistics:  Distance: 7.5 km  Ascent: 545 m  Time: 3 hrs

Walk Highlands Route Map