Dalwhinnie to Culra

Summary

This route is the walk-in to reach Culra, a stunning location and the starting point for Ben Alder and other Munros. Please note that the former bothy here is CLOSED due to the presence of dangerous asbestos. If intending to stay in the area overnight you would need to carry a tent and camp nearby. The route is described as a one-way walk - obviously if not camping overnight you would need to walk out too!

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

2.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Track and good path; the route heads into a wild, remote area far from help.

Getting there

Start

Walkers car park immediately before level crossing, Dalwhinnie.

Public Transport

Train and bus service to Dalwhinnie.

Start Grid Ref

NN633846

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 16km / 10 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours one way
Ascent: 250m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

WARNING

The level crossing at the start was locked by Network Rail in 2021, to the outrage of the local community and outdoor access groups including the Ramblers, Scottish Rights of Way Society and Mountaineering Scotland. They are fighting for the restoration of access to this historic route, long regarded as a Public Right of Way. See the campaign page for more info.

There is a footbridge over the railway at the station, but the gate to the land on the far side of the railway has been barricaded by the landowner (though access rights apply to this land). Until these issues are resolved, the only option is to walk or cycle from the walkers' car park back to the main A889 road, turn right along this, and then right again by the service station onto a lane that leads under the railway, then right once more to reach the original route - a detour of just over 2km. Walkers are requested to use the car park and not try to park nearer the underpass, which is causing further issues.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

There is a walkers car park just before the level crossing in Dalwhinnie. The easiest way to bypass it is to head back, head towards the station and turn left in front of it to follow the road to the crossing (do not park at the railway station itself). The crossing has been locked by Network Rail since 2021, blocking access to the ancient drove road across Scotland. Until access is restored, the shortest way to access the walk is to head back to the station, then head over the footbridge over the railway line. Turn right to the far end of the platform, then go through/over a gate on your left. Turn left and follow a faint and slightly boggy path initially parallel to the railway, then climbing slightly away from it. It reaches a gate; pass through. Shortly after this the track can be reached, now on the far side of the crossing. Follow the track, keeping straight ahead to the shores of Loch Ericht, one of only a few reservoirs to be dammed at both ends.

Stage 2

The track continues alongside the loch soon passing a elaborate new gatehouse built in recent years by the Swiss owners of the estate. In addition to this gatehouse building, Ben Alder Lodge near the end of the track has been extensively renovated and a number of other buildings erected in granite with turrets and other features recently. This means that the access road can be surprisingly busy, especially at times when people are heading to and from work. Pass An Tochailt, an estate house which is rented out as holiday accommodation.

Stage 3

The track now enters the forestry with views in many places down to the loch. At a clear fork in the track take the upper, right hand track as the older lower one has now been blocked off. The road climbs and then descends as it returns to nearer the loch. Stay right when the driveway to Ben Alder Lodge leaves to the left. The track climbs behind the Lodge - note the bronze stag overlooking the water far below - and soon reaches a gate. Go through this (there is a moveable fence next to it to allow easy access for bikes) and over the bridge to reach more open ground.

Stage 4

The track now has a pleasanter and more remote feel as the mountains come into view and the route climbs gently. Pass a section of forestry on the right hand side and half way to the next section of forestry, when the track starts to descend towards Loch Pattack look for a clear path to the left, there is usually a hay rack opposite this point. The path is very well made with a stony surface and suitable for most bicycles, do not be tempted by the grassy looking path just a little earlier on as this leads to a large boggy area. The path keeps well south of Loch Pattack; Culra bothy is soon in view, together with the private Culra Lodge just beyond. (An alternative to the path for cyclists is to continue on the track, turning left at a junction and then crossing a bridge before turning left again after Loch Pattack).

Stage 5

After 3.4km along the path, turn right at a turning signed for bridge. A new bridge has replaced the old metal wire one and the new one is not visible until you reach it. Cross the bridge and turn left onto the track to reach the site of the former Culra Bothy. If intending to stay in the area it is necessary to carry a tent and camp nearby. The area is a great base for ascents of Ben Alder and the four Munros on the Aonach Beag - Geal-charn ridge as well as a starting point for numerous backpacking trips including to Corrour station and Ben Alder Cottage.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Kingussie & Newtonmore Hotels

Kingussie & Newtonmore B&B

Kingussie & Newtonmore cottages

Cairngorms hostels

Glamping and Camping

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