A Week in the Cairngorms
Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 8:29 pmSunday, 27th July 2014, Sgor Goaith. 14km 900m
We returned to the Cairngorms almost a year since our last visit with hopes for some better weather this time. With the forecasts looking hit and miss we decided to get straight onto the hill bagging on a showery Sunday. The drive to Glen Feshie was blessed with decidedly mixed conditions and it was still raining lightly when we pulled into the car park. Here we faced the biggest challenge of the day in the shape of several million midge.
Following much flapping of arms and applying of repellent we set off though the woods. A Brief directional mishap later
we were on the excellent path up the hill in improving conditions.
By the time the views started to open up the sun was out and it was an enjoyable stroll steadily upwards.
Views opening up by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Almost on the plateau by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
A passing frog by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
One of the features of this route was the beautiful variety of mosses and lichens, a real testament to the regeneration work being carried out. Following a brief pathless steepening the plateau was reached and it was an easy walk over to the small top perched on the edge of Gleann Eanaich. This, as anybody who has been here on a clear day will surely agree, is a superb vantage point. We managed to enjoy the views in spite of a rain heading up the Glen and making lunch a bit damp.
The quick way down to Loch Eanaich by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Showers comming by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Nearly there by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Summit of Sgor Gaoith by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace n'Tad by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Life on the edge! by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
With plenty of showers around we decided to head back the way we came but struck lucky as we seamed to miss the worst of it. A fine start to the week
Monday 28th July, Lochnagar. 20Km 930m
We made our way to the large parking area at the end of the Glen Muick road on what was a perfect morning. We may not have had midge to battle on this day but I managed to pick a fight with a bee and a splinter
on my way though the small woodland. This led to a large bleb on my arm and a rapidly swelling finger which I attributed to the bee sting (I discovered the splinter a few days later). I must admit to being somewhat concerned but I took an anti-histamine and hoped for the best.
The River Muick by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Gaining height by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Views opening up by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
As with the previous days walk the path is superb meaning that minimal effort is expended in gradually gaining height towards the col between Meikel Pap and the main bulk of the mountain. As you reach the col and approach the corrie edge a wonderful sight comes into view with the dark lochan surrounded by the magnificent pale grey granite cliffs with the summit tor poking just above it all. This was undoubtedly one of the finest sights I've seen in the highlands and probably worth the walk alone. We were't finished yet however and following a snack we returned to the path and the climb upwards.
Approaching the wow moment by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace above Lochnagar by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Lochnagar by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
...and again from higher up. by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The previously easy gradients soon returned as we made our way across the plateau on the wide path up to the highest of Lochnagar's tops, Cac Carn Beag. Great hills deserve a good summit and Lochnagar is well served by this fine rocky tor which delivers a magnificent summit panorama. Unfortunately the midge also were in a mood to enjoy the extensive vista and lunch was spent doing the traditional dance of the highlands in summer.
Across the plateau to Cuidhe Crom by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace on the summit by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Hughie on Lochnagar by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Cac Carn Beag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
We set off in our way down along the corrie edge to get even better views of the magnificent cliffs. This is certainly a place to linger on a day like this but we had to make our way down eventually and cut across to the path down by the Glas Allt.
Back along the edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Corrie of Lochnagar by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr ( click pic for bigger version)
The Corrie edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
This was another superb path, I wish the fix the fells mob in the lake district would come and see these paths so they could see just how it should be done. Following a fine easy descent, helped by a very nice breeze to keep us cool, we came upon another great moment in this walk, the fine sight of the falls of Glasallt. We stopped to have a final snack and enjoy the cascades before the long walk back via the loch side.
Falls of Glasallt by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Path down to Loch Muick by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
I would heartily recommend this route to any active walker as it certainly doesn't feel like a 12 mile walk and had many fine moments. All in all a tremendous day.
Wednesday 30th July, The Carinwell three, 13km ,595m
I'd never really fancied the Cairnwell munros for the obvious reasons but with the best weather predicted east of the A9 we decided to head up to Glenshee rather than to Dumochter. There is no denying that we've started walking from better places and the sense of general neglect and decay of the out of season ski centre is certainly off putting. I'm sure when it's full on a bright winters day the place is fine. On a showery day in late July it makes a depressing sight.
The ascent of Carn Aosda up eroded tracks around the rusting ski lifts is perhaps the easiest but also the worst route to a munro there is but at least the views are good.
View from Carn Aosda by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
It started raining on Asoda but soon stopped as we left the paraphernalia of winter sports behind get on with a normal hill walk out to Carn a'Gheoidh. Soon enough a sense of wilderness is with you and it's a nice walk out over the broad ridge.
Leaving it all behind by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Loch Vrotachan by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Choire Dhirich by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Carn a'Gheoidh by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Glas Tulaichean by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Family summit shot by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
We returned the way we came but contoured around to join up with the Cairnwell ridge complete with all the unwelcome trimmings. By the time we reached the summit it was blowing up a hoolie so at least the summit ugliness provided good shelter.
The summit of the Cairnwell is a strange place, some wonderful views are to be had but once you turn around the scene is very depressing, still it's better than being at work.
Creag a'Choire Dhirich by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Summer showers by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Rainbow over Glenshee by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Summit shed by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Looking down Glenshee from the Cairnwell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Friday August 1st, Loch Kinord Circuit, 7km, 50m
We were planing on climbing Morven on this day but with the clag almost down to valley floor level we decided upon a wander around Loch Kinord and a visit to the Burn O'Vat. This is a pleasant wander with plenty of interest as you make your way around good paths back to the car park. The Burn O'Vat is also impressive. I'm sure after rain is can be an awesome sight, pity you'd have very little change of seeing it.
Trees by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The Cross slab by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Loch Kinord by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Burn O'Vat waterfall by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
This was a really enjoyable week with Lochnagar the undoubted highlight. It was also nice to actually see more of this fine part of the world, I suspect we'll be back.
We returned to the Cairngorms almost a year since our last visit with hopes for some better weather this time. With the forecasts looking hit and miss we decided to get straight onto the hill bagging on a showery Sunday. The drive to Glen Feshie was blessed with decidedly mixed conditions and it was still raining lightly when we pulled into the car park. Here we faced the biggest challenge of the day in the shape of several million midge.
Following much flapping of arms and applying of repellent we set off though the woods. A Brief directional mishap later
we were on the excellent path up the hill in improving conditions.By the time the views started to open up the sun was out and it was an enjoyable stroll steadily upwards.
Views opening up by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrAlmost on the plateau by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrA passing frog by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrOne of the features of this route was the beautiful variety of mosses and lichens, a real testament to the regeneration work being carried out. Following a brief pathless steepening the plateau was reached and it was an easy walk over to the small top perched on the edge of Gleann Eanaich. This, as anybody who has been here on a clear day will surely agree, is a superb vantage point. We managed to enjoy the views in spite of a rain heading up the Glen and making lunch a bit damp.
The quick way down to Loch Eanaich by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrShowers comming by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrNearly there by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrSummit of Sgor Gaoith by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrGrace n'Tad by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLife on the edge! by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrWith plenty of showers around we decided to head back the way we came but struck lucky as we seamed to miss the worst of it. A fine start to the week
Monday 28th July, Lochnagar. 20Km 930m
We made our way to the large parking area at the end of the Glen Muick road on what was a perfect morning. We may not have had midge to battle on this day but I managed to pick a fight with a bee and a splinter
on my way though the small woodland. This led to a large bleb on my arm and a rapidly swelling finger which I attributed to the bee sting (I discovered the splinter a few days later). I must admit to being somewhat concerned but I took an anti-histamine and hoped for the best.The River Muick by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrGaining height by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrViews opening up by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrAs with the previous days walk the path is superb meaning that minimal effort is expended in gradually gaining height towards the col between Meikel Pap and the main bulk of the mountain. As you reach the col and approach the corrie edge a wonderful sight comes into view with the dark lochan surrounded by the magnificent pale grey granite cliffs with the summit tor poking just above it all. This was undoubtedly one of the finest sights I've seen in the highlands and probably worth the walk alone. We were't finished yet however and following a snack we returned to the path and the climb upwards.
Approaching the wow moment by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrGrace above Lochnagar by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLochnagar by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr...and again from higher up. by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThe previously easy gradients soon returned as we made our way across the plateau on the wide path up to the highest of Lochnagar's tops, Cac Carn Beag. Great hills deserve a good summit and Lochnagar is well served by this fine rocky tor which delivers a magnificent summit panorama. Unfortunately the midge also were in a mood to enjoy the extensive vista and lunch was spent doing the traditional dance of the highlands in summer.
Across the plateau to Cuidhe Crom by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrGrace on the summit by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrHughie on Lochnagar by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrCac Carn Beag by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrWe set off in our way down along the corrie edge to get even better views of the magnificent cliffs. This is certainly a place to linger on a day like this but we had to make our way down eventually and cut across to the path down by the Glas Allt.
Back along the edge by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrCorrie of Lochnagar by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr ( click pic for bigger version)The Corrie edge by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThis was another superb path, I wish the fix the fells mob in the lake district would come and see these paths so they could see just how it should be done. Following a fine easy descent, helped by a very nice breeze to keep us cool, we came upon another great moment in this walk, the fine sight of the falls of Glasallt. We stopped to have a final snack and enjoy the cascades before the long walk back via the loch side.
Falls of Glasallt by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrPath down to Loch Muick by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrI would heartily recommend this route to any active walker as it certainly doesn't feel like a 12 mile walk and had many fine moments. All in all a tremendous day.
Wednesday 30th July, The Carinwell three, 13km ,595m
I'd never really fancied the Cairnwell munros for the obvious reasons but with the best weather predicted east of the A9 we decided to head up to Glenshee rather than to Dumochter. There is no denying that we've started walking from better places and the sense of general neglect and decay of the out of season ski centre is certainly off putting. I'm sure when it's full on a bright winters day the place is fine. On a showery day in late July it makes a depressing sight.
The ascent of Carn Aosda up eroded tracks around the rusting ski lifts is perhaps the easiest but also the worst route to a munro there is but at least the views are good.
View from Carn Aosda by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrIt started raining on Asoda but soon stopped as we left the paraphernalia of winter sports behind get on with a normal hill walk out to Carn a'Gheoidh. Soon enough a sense of wilderness is with you and it's a nice walk out over the broad ridge.
Leaving it all behind by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLoch Vrotachan by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrChoire Dhirich by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrCarn a'Gheoidh by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrGlas Tulaichean by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrFamily summit shot by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrWe returned the way we came but contoured around to join up with the Cairnwell ridge complete with all the unwelcome trimmings. By the time we reached the summit it was blowing up a hoolie so at least the summit ugliness provided good shelter.
The summit of the Cairnwell is a strange place, some wonderful views are to be had but once you turn around the scene is very depressing, still it's better than being at work.
Creag a'Choire Dhirich by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrSummer showers by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrRainbow over Glenshee by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrSummit shed by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLooking down Glenshee from the Cairnwell by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrFriday August 1st, Loch Kinord Circuit, 7km, 50m
We were planing on climbing Morven on this day but with the clag almost down to valley floor level we decided upon a wander around Loch Kinord and a visit to the Burn O'Vat. This is a pleasant wander with plenty of interest as you make your way around good paths back to the car park. The Burn O'Vat is also impressive. I'm sure after rain is can be an awesome sight, pity you'd have very little change of seeing it.
Trees by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThe Cross slab by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLoch Kinord by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrBurn O'Vat waterfall by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThis was a really enjoyable week with Lochnagar the undoubted highlight. It was also nice to actually see more of this fine part of the world, I suspect we'll be back.
), always good to get the whole family involved 
