Cairngorms Vista - Sgor Mor

[GariochTom]

A return visit to Sgor Mor, the Corbett that gives excellent views across to the central Cairngorms.

We set off from the car park at the Linn of Dee, up the track towards White Bridge and once we had emerged out of the pine woodland we turned right and headed up an old track towards Carn an ic' Duibhe. The track soon petered out, so we were soon boshing through heather on the steep slope, which was hard work.


Southwest from the slopes of Carn an' Ic Duibhe by GariochT, on Flickr

A deer fence had recently been constructed across the hill - it was a '3D' electric fence rather than a mesh one, so we were able to crawl underneath it, being careful not to get a shock! The fence must be the new fence proposed in the NTS Mar Lodge Estate Forest Plan "to protect the estate's sporting resource of red deer stags which tend to winter in the woodland in the regeneration zone" (not quite sure how) and "reduce the risk of browsing to the natural regeneration in and around the Linn of Dee and Glen Lui areas." (http://www.nts.org.uk/Downloads/Properties/wefp_1_web.pdf)


New deer fencing on the way up Carn an'Ic Duibhe by GariochT, on Flickr

It was a relief to finally reach the plateau of Carn an 'ic Duibhe. From here, the views across to the main Cairngorm massif began.


On Carn an'Ic Duibhe by GariochT, on Flickr

The views got better and better as we made our way to Sgor Dubh and then across to Sgor Mor. The walking was much easier from this point too! There was another new deer fence on the shoulder of the ridge up to Sgor Dubh, which detracted from the 'wildness' of the hill but would have been put there for good reason.


On the way to Sgor Duibhe by GariochT, on Flickr


Sgor Dubh - a fine viewpoint by GariochT, on Flickr


View from Sgor Dubh by GariochT, on Flickr


Devil's Point, Cairn Toul, and a corrie of Braeriach behind Carn a' Mhaim by GariochT, on Flickr


Beinn Mheadhoin in the distance and Glen Derry by GariochT, on Flickr


The tors of Beinn Mheadhoin in the distance, above the cliffs of Stob Coire Etchachan and Sgurr an Lochan Uaine by GariochT, on Flickr


The view northwest from near Sgor Dubh by GariochT, on Flickr


Glen Geusachan, the Devil's Point, Cairn Toul, Braeriach, Carn a' Mhaim, Glen Luibeg, Derry Cairngorm and Ben Macdui by GariochT, on Flickr


Heading towards Sgor Mor by GariochT, on Flickr


The central Cairngorms by GariochT, on Flickr


Towards the central Cairngorms by GariochT, on Flickr


Beinn a' Ghlo by GariochT, on Flickr

Another fine view by GariochT, on Flickr

We decided to descend to the south and return via White Bridge, and the descent was on far gentler and easier slopes than our ascent had been!


Our route of descent from Sgor Mor - to the south by GariochT, on Flickr


Gradual descent by GariochT, on Flickr


Descending. Beinn a' Ghlo in the distance. by GariochT, on Flickr

Once we reached the path at the floor of the glen, we wended our way southeast along it beside the river, stopping at the Chest of Dee, then down the track from White Bridge back to the car park.


The Chest of Dee by GariochT, on Flickr


The Chest of Dee by GariochT, on Flickr


White Bridge by GariochT, on Flickr


Almost back by GariochT, on Flickr

Sgor Mor 6 Apr 13.GPX Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

[The Rodmiester]

Some lovely photographs there, not much snow on the White Bridge track!

[GariochTom]

Thanks, yes I was surprised how little snow there was on the track to White Bridge... there was plenty of snow elsewhere including on the shaded track in the forest.

[kevsbald]

Just confirms once again that sometimes the best views are from the smaller hills. Lovely.