Terra Nova escape to the hills.

Matt and Ali from the Terra Nova Sales team decide to escape from the Terra Nova office and do what they enjoy best – getting out on the hill and testing new shinny bits of gear.

Starting out from Derbyshire a long weekend in the Cairngorms, was just what was needed. However with forecasts of heavy rain, snow and winds predicted of 50-60 mph and gusts up to 100 mph, it looked to be an interesting weekend.

On the drive out to Braemar we encountered a herd of deer on the road and snowy conditions over Glen Shee. We took the decision to stop off at the pub in Braemar, on route to the Lin of Dee, watching the snow come down from the warmth of the pub we decide to get some food before striking out.

Luckily by the time we left the pub and walked out of Lin of Dee it had stopped snow and turned into a brilliantly clear starry night. We followed 2 sets of footprints all the way to the Bob Scott memorial hut. This was an oasis, with its stove, compared to the usual Terra Nova bivi trips. Unfortunately Matt found out that it’s not wise to sleep on the floor under the sleeping platform, if there is a drunken Scottish guy being sick above (maybe a bivvy might have been safer!)

With an eventfully night behind us we set out to the Lairig Ghuru and went up by the Devil’s point to Cairn Toul. With strong winds looking to push as over and poor visibility on the summits, we retreated back down to the Corrour Bothy for the night.

The following morning we woke up to blizzard conditions and a low cloud base. We decided to head up the Allt Clach nan Taillear and onto Ben Macdui. It was hard work getting up to the shoulder of Ben Macdui; I started out using the Extremities power stretch banded beanie, which gave a close comfortable fit. In the strong winds as we reached the ridge, I switched to the Ice Cap for its wind resistance and a power stretch neck gaiter to keep out the snow.

We summited in poor visibility and driving snow. The Extremities hats and gloves were vital in keeping us warm. Matt was testing out the new Voyager 45L pack, which proved to be light and durable, with ample attachment points for an ice axe and walking pole.

In poor visibility we paid close attention to the navigation as we dropped off the summit and down to Loch Etchachan. In the mist we dropped down 50m too early and resulted in a small steam crossing, which when I broke through the ice and into the steam proved rather cold!

We dropped down further in icy conditions from Loch Etchachan to the Hutchison Hut, for a quick brew before heading down Glen Derry to the Bob Scot hut.

Equipment used on this trip:

Ice Cap, Tuff Bags, Light Weight Guide gloves, Super Windy gloves, Boreas Banded Beanie,Power Stretch Banded Beanie, Power Stretch Neck gaiter, Power Stretch gloves, Mountain Toaster socks, Voyager 45L rucksack, Moonlite bivi. A Tarp Shelter 2 went unused as there was space in the huts.

Have you used Terra Nova, Wild Country, or Extremities products for a recent voyage? Share your stories with us and the best will be made available online for all to read. Simply email us your text and photos, shopping@terra-nova.co.uk.