Chalamain Gap circuit, Glenmore

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Summary

The Chalamain Gap is a bouldery defile on the path that links the Cairn Gorm ski road with the Lairig Ghru. It forms the centerpiece of this grand circular walk that combines many of the finest aspects of the Cairngorms - rocky, bare mountainsides, beautiful pinewoods, and forest lochs.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Mostly well made paths. The section through the Chalamain Gap is very rough, involving clambering over large boulders; there's also a rougher path back up to the Sugar Bowl.

Public Transport

Bus to Sugarbowl car park, from Aviemore.

Start

Sugarbowl car park (charge). Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 18km / 11.25 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 541m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH984074

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the Sugarbowl car park which is part way up the hill road from Glenmore to the Cairn Gorm parking area; there is a parking charge. Begin the walk from the information board, taking the path to the left of it that climbs up to soon meet the road. Cross the road and take the path opposite, soon descending to reach Utsi's Bridge over the Allt Mòr . On the far side the path climbs steeply. Once atop the high bank there are great views looking back over Glen More and the Ryvoan Pass; turn left along the path high above the burn.

Stage 2

There are great views ahead of the Northern Corries of Cairn Gorm. The path is well maintained and keeps above the burn, soon swinging round to the west.

Stage 3

Eventually it descends to cross the tiny burn of the Caochain Dubh a' Chadha; ignore a rougher path that heads off right for the Eag a' Chait. The main path now continues southwest, aiming for the rocky defile of the Chalamain Gap.

Stage 4

The Chalamain Gap is a narrow, rocky pass between Creag a' Chalamain and Lurcher's Crag - a route which is notoriously choked with boulders. These must be clambered over to pass through the gap - tiring and difficult terrain that requires care. In some winter conditions the gap can be an avalanche hazard, in which case it may sometimes be safer to pass over Creag a' Chalamain.

Stage 5

Once through the gap there are new views ahead to the Sròn na Lairige ridge of Braeriach. The path now gives much easier going, though often very exposed to the wind, descending gradually southwest at first before a steeper final descent to reach the Allt Druidh burn that flows down from the Lairig Ghru.

Stage 6

There is no need to cross the burn - instead turn right down the near side, soon picking up the clear path from the Lairig Ghru down towards Rothiemurchus. After a couple of kilometres it reaches the uppermost limit of the pinewoods - one of the most magical places in the Cairngorms. Ignore the rougher park that forks off right (towards Rothiemurchus Lodge), instead continue down the main path through the trees, high above the Allt Druidh.

Stage 7

This stunning stretch of path leads down to a major path junction known as Piccadilly. Turn right here onto a path towards Loch Morlich. Eventually it meets a track coming in from your right - keep ahead onto this track to pass through an area of fairly recently felled plantation, ignore a track to the right and then a small path which leads to Lochan nan Geadas, staying on the main track instead.

Stage 8

At the next junction of tracks - close by Loch Morlich, turn right to follow the track that heads round the southern side of the loch. Ignore any tracks off to the right - and some waymarked paths off to the left - to eventually leave Loch Morlich behind, continuing through the pinewoods until the track emerges at the Hayfield car park.

Stage 9

Go straight across the road onto a rough path here, soon meeting a well-made path that runs parallel to the road - turn right along it. Go straight across when a track cuts across the route, continuing through the edge of the Allt Mòr car park and keeping ahead to cross a footbridge over the Allt Mòr . Once over the bridge turn right as the path runs briefly beside the burn - a rough stretch with boulders - and then along some wooden boardwalks before eventually emerging on the road. Go diagonally across this and take a path off the far side, again coming alongside the Allt Mòr . Follow the path to Utsi's Bridge reached on the outward route. Do not cross but instead turn sharp left to retrace your steps back to the Sugarbowl.

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