Glenshee 5 - 1 car
Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 8:56 pm
I sought guidance on this route in January as my aim was to try 5 or 6 Glenshee Munros without resorrting to 2 cars, a bike, or walking 5k back up the A93. Thanks for the helpful advice back then, especially Sloosh. I also noticed 'ibush' did what looked like a similar route 3 weeks before me - so here's further verification of its feasibility.
I set off from an unmarked parking spot about 3k north of the Glenshee ski centre. The weather had been bad with poor visibility so I set off late - hoping for a predicted break in the cloud - and crossed the older of the 2 footbridges immediately E of the lay-by to follow a path E towards Carn a Tuirc.
The path was clear but boggy and followed the burn for about 1.5k, then I took a left at a second set of old shielings to continue E up steepening slopes towards the summit. The path petered out as the ground became rockier so I swung NE for a spell to pick up another path to the top. I found it hard work but rewarding for the views across what at this point was like a plateau so I took my time to set the compass and navigate ESE then swinging ENE for Tolmount's grassy slopes - via the head of the impressive Coire Kander. The views from Tolmount are good, especially those to Loch Kander, Glen Callater and across to Carn Bannoch et al.
A decent path led me SW to to Ca Whims, then E to the smooth, but fiercely windy top of Tom Buidhe where I paused for coffee and a snack.
There was little different to see than from Tolmount, so I quickly headed back W down to Ca Whims and continued along a line of old metal fence posts to the summit ridge of Carn of Claise.
I'd have saved time to treverse SW as I approached the summit, as the path led me to the N end of the ridge and the cairn and shelters are at the S, but it was an enjoyable gentle stroll.
I then followed the path SW, with a wall to my right for a spell, before leaving the wall to join an obvious path heading towards the summit of Glas Maol, passing the imposing Caenlochan Glen - guarded stoically by Little Glas Maol.
Despite the weather deteriorating there were still good views from the top of Glas Maol including Creag Leacach to the S, but my aged camera battery was fading fast so I had to leave a lot out.
If I'd had time I'd have done the clearly accessible Creag Leacach, but its there to look forward to for another day.
I then retraced my steps to join a spur heading NW from a point midway between Glas Maol and Carn of Claise and follow its path towards the top of Sron na Gaoithe, where it skirts its NE flank to continue all the way back to the start point. I foolishly left the ridge to see some deer and the waterfalls in the Allt Coire Fionn but it was a long steep detour I wish I'd decided against! NB my map shows both options - please avoid my mistake.
I enjoyed the day and would happily recommend the route to anyone wanting a good walk which takes in 5 munros (with an option of sixth) without the need for 2 cars etc etc.
I set off from an unmarked parking spot about 3k north of the Glenshee ski centre. The weather had been bad with poor visibility so I set off late - hoping for a predicted break in the cloud - and crossed the older of the 2 footbridges immediately E of the lay-by to follow a path E towards Carn a Tuirc.
The path was clear but boggy and followed the burn for about 1.5k, then I took a left at a second set of old shielings to continue E up steepening slopes towards the summit. The path petered out as the ground became rockier so I swung NE for a spell to pick up another path to the top. I found it hard work but rewarding for the views across what at this point was like a plateau so I took my time to set the compass and navigate ESE then swinging ENE for Tolmount's grassy slopes - via the head of the impressive Coire Kander. The views from Tolmount are good, especially those to Loch Kander, Glen Callater and across to Carn Bannoch et al.
A decent path led me SW to to Ca Whims, then E to the smooth, but fiercely windy top of Tom Buidhe where I paused for coffee and a snack.
There was little different to see than from Tolmount, so I quickly headed back W down to Ca Whims and continued along a line of old metal fence posts to the summit ridge of Carn of Claise.
I'd have saved time to treverse SW as I approached the summit, as the path led me to the N end of the ridge and the cairn and shelters are at the S, but it was an enjoyable gentle stroll.
I then followed the path SW, with a wall to my right for a spell, before leaving the wall to join an obvious path heading towards the summit of Glas Maol, passing the imposing Caenlochan Glen - guarded stoically by Little Glas Maol.
Despite the weather deteriorating there were still good views from the top of Glas Maol including Creag Leacach to the S, but my aged camera battery was fading fast so I had to leave a lot out.
If I'd had time I'd have done the clearly accessible Creag Leacach, but its there to look forward to for another day.
I then retraced my steps to join a spur heading NW from a point midway between Glas Maol and Carn of Claise and follow its path towards the top of Sron na Gaoithe, where it skirts its NE flank to continue all the way back to the start point. I foolishly left the ridge to see some deer and the waterfalls in the Allt Coire Fionn but it was a long steep detour I wish I'd decided against! NB my map shows both options - please avoid my mistake.
I enjoyed the day and would happily recommend the route to anyone wanting a good walk which takes in 5 munros (with an option of sixth) without the need for 2 cars etc etc.