Sunny Day in Cromdale - Blonde, Brunette and Ginge

[katanna]

As we knew we have a long weekend available, we planned this walk in advance. We were slightly put off by the snow in higher mountains, so, as inexperienced walkers, we decided to walk up a smaller hill. Cromdale is just 45 min away from Elgin, where we stay, so decided to go for the Cromdale Hills.

Not many reports on this one, such a shame, because it is definitelly a route worth taking. Great views on many summits in the area and even further, amazing view on Spey valley and quite an easy walk, despite lack of good paths.
But let me begin from the start
We got up earlier on saturday, took Ellie dog and drove to Cromdale. Turning left, just before the lights and little bridge in Cromdale, the single track road led us to the bottom of the hills. We left the car before Wester Rynaballoch, just pass the small patch of trees and just beside some forestry work area. Luckily, on Saturday, no works were in progress.

Left the car on the side of the road and continued along a part of Speyside Way

We walked back through the trees. There was a little cottage on the right, we turned left , pass the big gate onto a wide, farm track.

there was a small cottage on the right, we turned left to the country track

there was a small forest on the left, plenty rabbits and two young hares crossed our track, frightened by Ellie Dog

farm track was well maintained and dry (yet), thanks to frosty and sunny morning it was fine to walk

we were looking on the path ahead of us - looked quite steep:)

We reached the point where the main path started heading down, encircling the Claggersnich Wood. We had to head up the almost pathless bit.

Finally made it to first Cairn - time for coffee/tea and a treat for the doggy

Ellie lead us towards the summit. She got into almost every single muddy puddle.

nice view on Ben Rinnes

we looked down on the Cairn when we headed up

finally made it

View over Cairngorms from the summit 722m

we enjoyed our lunch on the summit, had bacon sandwiches and sunbathed for a while before heading down.

lovely view when we were walking down

great to see the car again