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Mixed weather didn't bother us since the path was very much a human motorway, but we saw only 3 people all day.
Nav was easy and we felt like we went the better of the two route options since the views were stunning and we saw tens of deer in a huge herd, plus derelict old crofts making for beautiful photos. There was some interesting info in and around the car park about the smuggler routes and the battle of Glenlivet.
We started the route and frankly the first part is beautiful but LONG and FLAT.
it took us ages to get to the ascent. From there it was only about 40mins to the top over really loose stone tracks.
At the top the cairn is circular and whatever the weather it is probably a good lunch stop. We ate earlier so continued over the ridge. My partner developed a tendon issue so we decided to shortcut to the car over Cairn Dregnie which, it turns out, isn't possible due to a 4km 6ft deer fence marking the edge of the Glenlivet estate at the bottom of the cairn. Getting around it we realised you could roam the farm land from the other side with easy access so we were a bit confused (and annoyed) that there was no crossing point. This vastly extended our route but we had the time. So in sum, enjoyed the route but stick to it or return the way you came - there is no short cut!
