Carn Daimh, though less than 600 metres high, offers fine views of the rolling hill country between Ben Rinnes and the Cairngorms. This waymarked, straightforward circuit takes in farmland, coniferous plantations and open heather moors.
Summary
Waymarked route; mostly forest tracks, some rougher paths.
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1. This is one of a number of walks marked out by the Glenlivet Estate - property of the Crown. A parking area is provided close by Glenconglas cottage about two and a half kilometres from Tomintoul. The walk begins here over a cattle grid, next to a sign giving full details of the route - which is Walk no.6 as marked on the signs. The track slopes gently round the field; ignore two tracks going off to the right, instead continue on the main track which runs along the bottom of a plantation of Scots pine. This is a very pleasant stretch of countryside - keep an eye out for Roe deer which can often be seen when they dart out from the woods, and for wild flowers which are plentiful in the meadows in early summer.
2. The track bends round to the left and keeps below the plantation; ignore a track climbing up to the left. When forest looms ahead, take the track which turns off to the right (waymarked). The track crosses a bridge over a small stream and begins to climb, curving round to the right. Briefly there are good views over towards Ardgieth on the left as the track runs along the edge of the trees; soon, however, the conifers close in. At the top of this first section of the climb, take the track that turns off to the left. Almost immediately this forks into three; the left hand route hands downhill and the right hand one through a gate; take the middle track (waymarked) climbing gently through the trees.
3. Continue uphill for another four hundred metres to another fork; this time, turn right. The track soon swings right again and continues the ascent. This forestry section can be a little dull with the trees packed so tightly and the gradual grind uphill, but soon the trees are left behind and the track emerges onto the moor. There are great views back to Ben Rinnes and as height is gained, a view of the Cairngorms ahead, with Ben Avon and Beinn a'Bhuird prominent and Cairn Gorm and Bynack More further right. Cross the stile over the fence near the top to reach the cairn. There is a view indicator but it is currently missing.
4. A Speyside Way signpost indicates the way to begin the descent; turn right onto the Speyside Way (also still waymarked for Glenlivet walk no. 6). The tracks runs downhill to the left of the fence, eventually coming alongside a plantation. At the corner of the trees, go into the forest through the gate ahead. The track now goes briefly uphill before resuming the descent. A 't'-junction is soon reached; turn right (signed 'Tomintoul').
5. The track soon leaves the forest behind at a gate and stile, and crosses the open moorland ahead, with views of the Cairngorms. Look out for a marker post that indicates a right hand turn onto a faint path in the heather. Turn down this; it follows the line of a long-overgrown track but is still clearly visible as a groove running down the moor. Continue straight ahead, ignoring the better paths across the groove. When you reach the plantations, bear slightly right to head into the trees via a stile. Continue down a forest ride and out of the woods at the gate at the bottom.
6. Go straight ahead down the field, with the fence and trees on your left. When you reach a stile, cross it and turn left, aiming for the wooden planks and bridge across the bog and stream. Now head for the gate and pass through the farmyard. The parking area at the start of the walk is just a short distance beyond.
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