A short stroll up Craigellachie

[malky_c]

Hills: Craigellachie
Date: 06/04/2015.
Distance: 4.5km.
Ascent: 290m.
Time taken: 1 hour, 30 minutes.
Weather: Sunny, warm, clear

Before I get around to the mammoth task of writing up this weekend's Arran reports, I might as well post this. We had family up over the easter weekend and they wanted to go swimming. As the pool in Inverness was shut, they opted for the one in the MacDonald Resort in Aviemore. It was too nice a day to spend in the pool to I took a quick stroll up Craigellachie instead, which is conveniently behind the pool. I couldn't find the tunnel under the A9 so ended up crossing it at road level instead.

Creagellachie.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

On the other side, there are good paths around the woodland, including one to the summit.

Woodland behind Aviemore:






The views open up back to Aviemore and the Cairngorms as you get higher.

Aviemore:


Braeriach:


Aviemore and River Spey:


The best views are up Strathspey towards Dalwhinnie. I had thought of leaving the path and making my way over to Geal-charn Mor. It would certainly make a good alternative approach. Keen as I was, I was keener still to get back to Aviemore for dinner at Roo's Leap, so I gave it a miss for today.

Lochan Dubh, Loch Alvie and Loch Insh:


Geal-charn Mor:


Braeriach:


Feshie hills:




I carried on south on a boggier path which ended at another summit. From here it was a rougher descent to the treeline then a steep drop back down through the trees to the A9.

Strathspey lochs again:


Cairngorm:


I managed to pick up the path which led back through the A9 underpass and back to the resort. Then food .

Lochan by A9:


A great little viewpoint which I had neglected up to now, and very similar in character to Creag Bheag above Kingussie.

[basscadet]

That looked like a nice little wander.
We are always looking for wee things to do just off the main road for a rainy day, and this looks perfect, thanks for posting..
Can hardly wait for your Arran reports - hope you had as much fun as Dougie and I did

[Collaciotach]

You 'll no keep Malky off the hill

Well spotted chance a bhalaich

[rockhopper]

Strange to think of the number of times we've been up here on holidays yet have never thought of a walk in this area - looked good for a short jaunt - cheers

[Beaner001]

A nice wee wonder that Malky, all the time I've spent in Aviemore and surrounding area and I've never been up that hill used to earn my keep by jumping on my grans moped to go pick Chanterelle's in all the birch woodland surrounding this area
Cracking view of the big Mountains too
Look forward to your Arran adventures