Creag Bheag and Tom Baraidh, Kingussie

Summary

An excellent circuit from the attractive town of Kingussie, capital of Badenoch. It takes in a hillwalk across the summit of Creag Beag with excellent views, and later passes through pinewoods with a great chance to see red squirrels.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

The entire route is well waymarked, but the route over Creag Bheag, and particularly the descent, is steep and rocky in places.

Getting there

Start

Ardvonie car park in the centre of Kingussie.

Public Transport

Kingussie is served by buses and trains.

Start Grid Ref

NH75 007

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.4km / 4.5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 270m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (15)

Stage 1

Park at the Ardvonie car park, which is the main car park signposted in the centre of Kingussie; to reach it take the road north next to the large Duke of Gordon hotel and soon turn left. At the far corner of the car park is an information board on a variety of walks in the area around the town; this route combines the Creag Bheag, West Terrace and Tom Baraidh routes to make the longest circuit, but there are also several shorter walks if these are preferred. The path begins between the information board and the public toilets, and slopes uphill to join a road. Turn right along the road very briefly, then left along West Terrace. This quiet lane leads past many fine old villas.

Stage 2

Continue to the end of the road, then curve right up the track between the final houses - signed for Creag Bheag via West Terrace circular. As the track swings right into a driveway take the path straight ahead uphill through the woods. Ignore a path off right and continue uphill. The path comes alongside a wall, and then switches to the other side at a bench with good views back. Further up a junction is reached with a small gate - turn left here, signed for Creag Bheag.

Stage 3

The route passes a stone shelter housing a seat, and climbs through heather and regenerating woodland towards the summit of Creag Bheag. The path across the moor gives excellent going, with ever-improving views back behind you. Eventually it reaches the summit of Creag Bheag, crowned with a stone cairn.

Stage 4

You might be able to spot helmetted climbers atop the edge of a crag below and over to the right - belaying their friends up the precipice. Further along the ridge the path passes another stone shelter, containing a seat with the perfect view over the town of Kingussie far below.

Stage 5

The path begins to descend slightly, and gives an excellent view of Loch Gynack backed by the bare, rolling mounds of the Monadh Liath hills; soon after this, the descent becomes much steeper and passes through some scattered birch woodland. Much lower down is a four-way path junction with a bench. A right here heads straight back to Kingussie, but our route continues straight ahead (both routes signed Golf course circular and Kingussie). Ignore a path off left and continue on the main route to reach a gate and pass into the forestry.

Stage 6

The path through the forest is through a broad, heathery ride at first, before narrowing and emerging from the trees at a second gate and another bench. Continue towards a ruined house which is all that remains of the Toman an t-Seomair township, now engulfed by the golf course. Pass left of the old house to reach an attractive section of path which runs along a wooded little ridge between the golfers and the river. There are good views back across the golf course to Creag Bheag, with its rock-climbers' crag prominent. Keep on the waymarked path, soon forking left to descend steeply down to the river. Follow this until reaching a large wooden bridge. Turn left to cross the bridge and turn right on the far side on a tarred drive through the golf course. Continue on this drive for 300m until a signposed junction with another track turning left through a gate into woodland - marked Tom Baraidh.

Stage 7

After the gate take the next left off the track onto a woodland path; you are now following the green-waymarked Tom Baraidh walk. Keep following the waymarkers, which soon lead you close to the northeastern edge of this attractive pine plantation. The route now keep about the same distance from this forest edge for a kilometre or so. If you keep quiet on this section, you have a great chance to see red squirrels.

Stage 8

Keep an eye on the waymarkers - and the forest wall/fence - to keep you on track, following the path always close to the edge of the woods. Ignore a path off left signed for Raitts, staying on the Tom Baraidh circular. Further on is another near a bench. At this point turn sharp left (signed 'Kingussie via Kerrow'). Follow a track through a gate and then bearing right through another gate. The track becomes a stony lane which bends to and fro, bear right near a barn and passing new housing before joining the main Kingussie road at the eastern extremity of the town. Turn right along the road to pass through the centre to the Duke of Gordon Hotel, where you turn right to return to the car park at the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Kingussie & Newtonmore Hotels

Kingussie & Newtonmore B&B

Kingussie & Newtonmore cottages

Cairngorms hostels

Glamping and Camping

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