The westernmost of the Cromdale Hills may be only a minor summit, but it has by far the best views in the range, with a truly magnficient outlook towards the Cairngorms and over Strathspey. An excellent introduction to hillwalking on a fine day.
Bog Factor
Landrover / ATV track overheather moorland; exposed in poor conditions.
Parking on W side of A939 at NJ 061 222.
None to start.
NJ061222
There is a small amount of parking just off the W side of the A939 at NJ 061 222, almost opposite a small old (now overgrown) quarry. Begin the walk by crossing the road with care, turning left along the far verge, then turning right to take a landrover track off on the far side. This climbs steadily over moorland; the views to the Cairngorms are already superb.
Soon a fence is reached and the track leads through a gate. The enclosed area is part of nearby Lynbreck Croft which practices regenerative agriculture, and has planted native trees here - a real contrast to the stark moorland outside the fence, managed for grouse shooting. The track climbs to another gate to leave the trees; once beyond this, the barren moorland returns.
The views, though, continue to improve with every step. The gradient is moderate for a hillwalk, but it's well worth stopping often to look back down the ridge, or to Grantown-on-Spey, well seen almost surrounded by its native forests.
The track becomes a little rougher as height is gained, and the going steepens towards a conical shoulder topped by a small cairn. Here the gradient eases once more.
It's only a short walk beyond to the large windshelter cairn on Sgòr Gaoithe, which is just short of the 628m highest point. The views are out of all proportion to the small effort required to climb to here. For those looking for a longer walk, you can continue along the fairly featureless ridge to Creagan a' Chaise, the highest point in the Cromdales, to make for a more substantial outing.
There is no better viewpoint in the Cromdales than this modest summit though, so for many people the best option is to simply return back down the ridge after an entrancing short hillwalk.
This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?
