AN INTREPID mountain hiker has managed to track down a snow tunnel in June despite Scotland’s fourth-mildest winter on record.
Beautiful pictures and video from Tom Backhouse show the amazing, cave-like structure complete with a stream trickling through the middle.
The find is remarkable because Scotland’s skiing industry was badly hit last winter and spring by a severe lack of snow.
Tom was amazed when he stumbled across the snow tunnel whilst out walking near 1265ft (4150ft) Carn Na Criche on June 3.
Tom, a manager at Terrafirma Mine Searches, posted the stunning images and video online, writing: “Awesome first experience of a snow tunnel at the Falls of Dee under Breariach.
“Fair bit of snow under Carn an Criche but it appears to be slipping/detaching and nothing looks like it will last much longer at all.
“Great few days exploring!”
The structures are created when the snow begins to melt. As water begins to flow underneath a tunnel of air forms, melting the snow from underneath.
The results are magical – vast caverns, with some forming large enough for people to walk through.
Commenting on the photos, viewers were amazed by Tom’s snaps.
One social media users wrote: “Aye,great shots – tis going to be a VERY lean year.”
Another said: “Great photos Tom! Always special to find a tunnel.”
Whilst one commented: “Brilliant stuff! Great tunnels. Some sight, eh?”
According to the Met Office, the 2016/17 winter was much milder than average across the whole of the UK with Scotland experiencing its fourth mildest on record.
