I was now getting quite high and there was plenty of snow around, but the path was exceptionally clear, where it wasn't covered in snow that is. This is of course the route taken by Queen Victoria when she climbed Lochnagar. I'm not sure how often she did it, but it is possible she reached the summit of Cac Carn Beag in mist on her first ascent in 1848. This would have made it her first Munro, although of course it was well before the days of Sir Hugh and his list. Meanwhile today the beautiful blue sky seemed to be clouding over before I had even got to the top of the ridge to enjoy the spectacular view of the cliffs I had heard so much about - I was not amused...

The path leading across snow patches