Not that I'm counting but...273 days after last setting foot on the summit of a Munro - I'm back.

5am alarm; out at 5.30 to fetch the car and at Barry's for 6.

141  miles and 3 hours later (via Tesco at Blairgowrie) we rocked up at Linn of Dee. Midges a plenty but we were soon heading off west retreading a route we first trod the day after the Brexit vote on summer assault on Bheinn Bhrotain. This time when we get to the White Bridge (which incidentatlly is red...) we continue west where before we turned north.

Away off in the distance we can see both An Sgarsoch and Carn an Fhidhleir; both with patches of snow on their northern flanks. An unnecessary river crossing (moral: don't let Barry lead the way without clear instruction), followed by 3 necessary ones and we're at Geldie Lodge before midday. Still another 3 hours until the first summit.... More path then a long slog up peat, scree and grassy slopes. The overcast morning giving way to a sunny afternoon, we finally summited. Because of their remote setting, there's distant views all around. Prevously completed Munros of the Cairngorms to the north, Blair Atholl conquests to the west and south, and way way way off there's even Lochnagar. And the small matter of a long drop down before our second mountain of the day...

Actually after the long march in, it was pretty straightforward.  Another sandwich, more water and then on our way. My right knee was not happy - very slowly off the north face of Carn an Fhidhleir before we rejoin the stalker's path and and are faced with the 10 mile hike back to the car. Both heels are blistered and added to the knee. And the feet are starting to suffer, too. Much as the paths in are useful, they do soften up the soles....

The sun continued to shine, we continued to grimace our way out, finally arriving back at the car around 9. A full 12 hours for the 26 mile trek. Over 1100 metres of climbing. 

Then the small matter of peeling off the bloody socks and contemplating the 3 hours back, plus then another 20 minute home, plus then dropping thecar back and cycling back down the last mile home....

I could barely stand when I got out to let Barry out at his, and it was painful trying to get on the bike to freewheel home. 

I managed a bath, tend to the blisters and by 0130 I made it to bed. Only another 66 left to do...

I've added an extra too; Geldie Lodge with Bheinn Bhrotain in the background. A lovely shot of a lovely spot