by Myth » Mon Apr 13, 2009 4:44 pm
Ooooh - SUCH a great area...
Right on the doorstep, you could walk across the Spey, and donder about in the Abernethy Forest, and stand a chance of seeing "the" Osprey... she's laid at least one egg!
Staying on the North side, you've a huge range of options, but I recommend that you "do" Ryvoan pass from Nethy Bridge (or the stop Paul used for the start of the "Abernethy Forest and Ryvoan circuit" walk, but keep going over the top)! Fairly simple stomp from Nethy side up and over to Glenmore via Ryvoan (optional detour over Meille a'Bhuachaille ), late lunch in the cafe at Glenmore, and either bus back, or walk back over (optional Meille a'Bhuachaille if passed in morning)! walking both way (or even one way if adding the hill) could be over 5 hours long (or well over) - depends what you want!
Right on the doorstep from Boat of Garten, going South you can walk over the hill into Glenmore Forest park, via Badaguish - quite a long walk, but lots to see, and easy choices about the return!
While in the area, you need to do Cairngorm itself - pretty simple. Going left from the top car park is the "obvious" route, but not very interesting... From the lower car park up Coire na Ciste, is a lovely wild walk, or from the top car park, cast wide south west on the start of the Ben Macdui route (to peek along the Lairig Ghru), and then double back along the tops of Cairn Lochan etc to Cairn Gorm. For those who want an "easier" walk, walk up the main Coire Cas access road (dirt), and at the last zip zag, follow the path up and right onto Fiacaill ridge - it's a REALLY well made path at the top, and easy to walk. Good views too!
Five to six hours will just about cover fit folks doing a speed dash for Ben Macdui - but marginal. It would have to be a dash...
A very nice gentle amble is the Loch An Eilein circuit in Rothiemurchus. This can be extended and connected with so many other walks... go really early or really late for more chance to see wildlife.
There are also loads of nice trails around Loch Morlich - with the advantage that the bus route runs conveniently past... but less wildlife.
Mmmm - so much more... I'll pause and take breath!