Gilly1 wrote:Hi
I'm Gillian and I'll be visiting Scotland from Australia in mid-May this year. I'm staying in Newtonmore for 5 days then Blair Atholl for 4. I'm looking forward to exploring some of the Cairngorm National Park. If there are any walking groups that wouldn't mind another walker joining in please let me know.
Kind regards
Gillian
Welcome to Walkhighlands! You have chosen a great time of year to visit, and two good centres.
I don't know about walking groups in the area, but you can use the meeting up facility on here.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewforum.php?f=17. Others on this site will know more about local walking groups.
Two walks I would particularly recommend near Newtonmore are the circuit of Loch an Eilean (
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/loch-an-eilein.shtml) and the walk to Coire Ardair (
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/coire-ardair.shtml). I did the latter in May, as the first part of the ascent of Creag Meagaidh - it was stunning at that time of year -
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=81131. You can extend the Coire Ardair walk if you wish to Creag Meagaidh itself, but note that there will still probably be significant areas of snow higher up - full winter walking gear would be required.
Hope you have a great trip
Tim