walkhighlands

Sunny Day in Cromdale - Blonde, Brunette and Ginge

Route: Creagan a' Chaise, Cromdale Hills

Fionas: Creagan a' Chaise

Date walked: 18/04/2015

Time taken: 4 hours

Distance: 16km

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.

speyside way.jpg
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.


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


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


crossing another gate.jpg
farm track was well maintained and dry (yet), thanks to frosty and sunny morning it was fine to walk


crossing the stream.jpg


little cairn and our path on left.jpg
we were looking on the path ahead of us - looked quite steep:)


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


almost pathless.jpg


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


dog leading, pathless part to the summit.jpg
Ellie lead us towards the summit. She got into almost every single muddy puddle.


view on Ben Rinnes.jpg
nice view on Ben Rinnes


cairn view, no path.jpg
we looked down on the Cairn when we headed up


Creagan a'Chaise.jpg
finally made it


amazing view on Cairngorms.jpg
View over Cairngorms from the summit 722m


blonde, brunette and ginge.jpg


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


look down on valley.jpg
lovely view when we were walking down


to where we left the car.jpg
great to see the car again

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katanna


Activity: Hill Bagger
Place: Highlands
Gear: coffee
Ideal day out: The one that will provide with relax, excitement and good weather

Munros: 198
Corbetts: 12
Fionas: 3
Sub 2000: 5



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Statistics

2015

Trips: 1
Distance: 16 km
Fionas: 1


Joined: Apr 18, 2015
Last visited: Mar 28, 2024
Total posts: 9 | Search posts