Having achieving Mountain Goat on Ben More in 2022 I kept clocking up the points, however the agenda has been a little different. Keeping fit, travelling, trying different routes, activating regions, entire national parks and enjoying hikes with different people - which has been the best part, oh and collecting badges.
Soon enough, the points mounted and by the beginning of 2026 I focussed a bit more on getting over the line by activating a few days a week, although the side mission of Scottish Islands and a load of 1 point summits slowed this somewhat. Something else slowed me down - the Aberdeenshire winter! It has been unreal, with almost constant precipitation for a month. Still, I managed to get out in all but the worst conditions, so I thought I’d share brief details of the last few activations, leading up to Alexes’ Big Day.
Starting Total - 1980 points
Wednesday 18 Feb 2026 Brown Cow Hill
The forecast for the day was wind, with a break in the cloud at noon, then snow showers in the afternoon. That’s pretty much how it panned out. I chose BCH because I wanted some snowshoeing, neglecting to recall that there is zero shelter on the hill with one of Scotland’s largest activation zones.
great snow shoeing terrain
When I finally reached the AZ, I’d already decided to use the fence for a mast and to sit with my back to it for a quick HF activation. Only one problem - no fence, well not enough fence. So, I dug down and used the gate frame.
The wind was probably blowing 70kph and the noise was ferocious. I couldn’t hear the radio, and worse than that, I had a pile up on 20m. Apologies to the chasers that day, but @F4WBN @S57ILF @DL3HXX and @PE7K were loudest and made the log. No-one else did because I had to shut down. Probably the toughest activation I’ve had.
I had frozen fingers (unusual) and I took a long time to fumble about, pack up and re-attach the snow shoes. I was a good bit down the hill before I warmed up. And yes, it started snowing on the way back.
7 points gained - Total 1987
Thursday 19 Feb 2026 The Coyles of Muick
I was a bit later starting because one of the tyres on the 110 had a huge bulge, so I had to unearth another vehicle. Enter Dora the V8 Explorer.
Dora goes to South Deeside
A bit lower this one, but still snow on the track from the off. Much easier walking and I didn’t need the snowshoes until I was approaching the main ascent.
The Coyles of Muick
a couple of snow shoe selfies
The activation was smoother and longer but still breezy. Extreme POTA, if you like. Well, I had a bench. 43 in the log here, none on 2m though due to my handie still drying out in the bothy and me forgetting to pick it up.
activating from a bench
On finishing with the radio, I glanced up to see two pairs of eyes looking down. A pair of golden eagles hovered just 10m above my head. Of course, by the time I’d fumbled for the phone, unlocked it, opened the camera…they were many more metres higher. Still an awesome sight and only the second time I’ve seen a pair.
5 points gained - Total - 1992
Friday 20 Feb 2026 Kerloch
A visit to the dentist in Banchory led to an activation of nearby Kerloch. The thaw had begun and the lower track was all clear of snow, as was half of the narrow forest track, however it was in a worse state than ever, thanks to January rains and snowmelt. More fallen trees, deeper ravines and larger boulders.
then I hit the snow
Further up and out of the woods, deep drifts. Solid and easy to plod up. The final hill track was almost bare of snow. The summit was grey and very windy, however I had a shelter - a good one.
windy Kerloch
2m and HF this time, all from the comfort of my stone shelter. I took a snow core with my mast support pipe and the resulting hole held the mast and antenna fine.
activating Kerloch
32 in the log and another 5 points gained - Total 1997
I had Saturday off. Mo said she wanted to accompany me on MG II, so I looked for 2+3 point summits nearby for a Sunday hike. When it came to Sunday, she didn’t feel so good, so instead, we took a nice walk around Aboyne and had lunch at the excellent Black Faced Sheep
That meant Alex would have a buddy for Monday. Well, he was always getting a buddy, but it now meant we’d both be aiming for milestones.
23 Feb 2026 Glas Tulaichean
Not much to add Alexs’ report, except to say it was
An Epic Day Out
We knew conditions would be challenging, and it would be windy, and it would probably snow. However, the avalanche risk had subsided significantly over the weekend, so we knew we’d be safe.
Often, Scottish summits are wind scoured. Banked out slopes and gullies often lead to summit plateaux with scant cover and rocks poking through. Not Glas Tulaichean and not that day!
When we reached the top confusion reigned. I felt we had to go further, but everywhere was downhill, or off the cliff. It was only when I took out my GPS map that I realised Alex was actually standing on the trig. UK trig points are generally 1.2m or around 4’ high. I really wish we’d probed around to see just how far down it was. I’ve never seen the like.
@GM5ALX on probably 1.5m of snow
Mo at the trig in 2018, on a warm summers day
Unearthing the fence post and digging our snow pit just added to the fun and the memories. I still didn’t find the bottom of the snow pack. If Alex had managed a few more contacts on 2m, I may have…
Taking the high road back, over rolling tops on the broad ridge just added to the pleasure of the day and prolonged the experience. Easy snow shoeing over a slightly soft snow pack. Things soon started to clear and views opened up. We even saw blue skies.
heading back down to the glen
Without a doubt, one of the best SOTA winter days ever. Unforgettable, and that’s without the added bonus of the Goat activations.
Congratulations on The Mountain Goat Alex. A great milestone reached and part of the much longer and varied SOTA journey ahead.