1. There is limited parking just before the level crossing in Dalwhinnie, head towards the station and turn left in front of it to follow the road to the crossing. From here cross the crossing on foot or by bicycle and follow the road on the far side. This soon reaches the shores of Loch Ericht, one of only a few reservoirs to be dammed at both ends. This road is part of the Ben Alder Estate, and general vehicle access is not allowed. The Mountain Bothy Association which maintains the bothy at Culra asks that walkers do not ask the estate for permission to take vehicles along the road as this might jeopardise the goodwill they have with the estate for the times they need to transport materials to the bothy for repairs. The track continues alongside the loch soon passing a new gatehouse built in recent years by the Swiss owners of the estate.

2. In addition to this gatehouse building, Ben Alder Lodge near the end of the track has been extensively renovated and a number of other buildings erected in granite with turrets and other features recently. This means that the access road can be surprisingly busy, especially at times when people are heading to and from work. Pass An Tochailt, an estate house which is rented out as holiday accommodation.

3. The track now enters the forestry with views in many places down to the loch. At a clear fork in the track take the upper, right hand track as the older lower one has now been blocked off. The road climbs and then descends as it returns to nearer the loch. Stay right when the driveway to Ben Alder Lodge leaves to the left. The track climbs behind the Lodge - note the bronze stag overlooking the water far below - and soon reaches a gate. Go through this (there is a moveable fence next to it to allow easy access for bikes) and over the bridge to reach more open ground.

4. The track now has a pleasanter and more remote feel as the mountains come into view and the route climbs gently. Pass a section of forestry on the right hand side and half way to the next section of forestry, when the track starts to descend towards Loch Pattack look for a clear path to the left, there is usually a hay rack opposite this point. The path is very well made with a stony surface and suitable for most bicycles, do not be tempted by the grassy looking path just a little earlier on as this leads to a large boggy area. The path keeps well south of Loch Pattack; Culra bothy is soon in view, together with the private Culra Lodge just beyond. (An alternative to the path is to continue on the track, turning left at a junction and then crossing a wobbly suspension bridge before turning left again after Loch Pattack).

5. After 3.4km along the path, turn right at a turning signed for bridge. A new bridge has replaced the old metal wire one and the new one is not visible until you reach it. Cross the bridge and turn left onto the track to reach Culra Bothy. The bothy provides basic shelter and is a great base for ascents of Ben Alder and the four Munros on the Aonach Beag - Geal-charn ridge as well as a starting point for numerous backpacking trips including to Corrour station and Ben Alder Cottage. The bothy, which can sleep about 22, is quite busy and groups should camp instead. Culra is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association; please help them by keeping the place tidy and carrying out any rubbish you find here. It is also appreciated if you can leave a report on the condition of the bothy at its webpage on the MBA website.

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