Dalwhinnie to Culra

This route is the walk-in to reach Culra Bothy, a stunning location and the starting point for Ben Alder and other Munros. Please note that the bothy is closed to visitors due to the presence of asbestos so 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!

Terrain

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

Public Transport

Train and bus service to Dalwhinnie.

Start

Limited parking immediately before level crossing, Dalwhinnie. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 15km / 9.25 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours one way
Ascent: 130m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN633846

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is limited parking immediately before the level crossing in Dalwhinnie, 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). From here cross the crossing on foot or by bicycle and follow the road on the far side. This soon reaches the shores of Loch Ericht, one of only a few reservoirs to be dammed at both ends. This road is part of the Ben Alder Estate, and general vehicle access is not allowed. The Mountain Bothy Association which maintains the bothy at Culra asks that walkers do not ask the estate for permission to take vehicles along the road as this might jeopardise the goodwill they have with the estate for the times they need to transport materials to the bothy for repairs. The track continues alongside the loch soon passing a new gatehouse built in recent years by the Swiss owners of the estate.

Stage 2

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 is to continue on the track, turning left at a junction and then crossing a wobbly suspension 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 Culra Bothy. The bothy provided shelter for walkers for several decades but is now closed due to the presence of asbestos. 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.

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