On my low level daddy/daughter bike ride today we saw a new dusting of snow on the tops of Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor and Carn Mor Dearg, down to around 1000m.
This is not uncommon at this time of year even with the high temperatures we have been having through April. The summit temperatures for the last week or so have been near freezing, so the little rain we do get has been snow higher up. It does thaw during the day and only lasting a few hours or a day at the most.
But what it does show is the still extensive existing snow pack is not thawing that quickly at the moment and could be firm, potentially requiring crampons and definitely an axe in the hand as there are some long run out snow slopes.
This spring snow does catch a lot of people out each year coming for summer hill walking and not expecting snow still to be falling into May. Alway check the summit weather before leaving, local web cams and local blogs.
So next spring it is worth considering this weather if you are planning a high level walk in Scotland, we hope to see you there.