Highland Trails part 2 - Cairngorm mountains
When I booked my trip to Scotland I wasn't sure what the weather would be like. I presumed that early May would likely be cloudy with showers, but not too cold. I prepared accordingly. It was a wonderful surprise then when I awoke on the second day of my trip to see blue skies and bright sunshine. It was ideal conditions both to take in the views, and to run up into the mountains. That said, I packed all my kit as weather can be changeable once you reach the summits. I had my hat and gloves, waterproofs, compass, first aid kit and plenty of fuel and water. In order to reach the Cairngorm mountains, ten miles away, I needed to first head to Aviemore which would mark the half way point. The Speyside Way which I had run to the north the day before also continued as far as this tourist town, so I picked up the trail by the bridge and headed south. Immediately I was enveloped in thick pine woods. Another deer stood frozen at the sight of me before bounding away. Crows circled above the