Geallaig and the Gairn

Summary

Geallaig is an extensive heathery hill that encloses the northern side of Deeside from Balmoral to Ballater. A superb viewpoint, it is climbed easily following rough tracks; this route extends the outing by continuing on tracks down to a remote stretch of Glen Gairn, making for an enjoyable outing - with easy conditions underfoot.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good tracks throughout, through exposed heathery moorland.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Opposite Braenaloin on the B976.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NO280999

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 17km / 10.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 427m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Fiona: Geallaig Hill

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Walk Description

User reports (7)

Stage 1

There is usually space to park on the verge roughly opposite Braenaloin on the B976 between Glen Gairn and Crathie. Head very briefly northeast along the road before turning right, through a gate, to gain a track onto the moorland. This climbs gradually, passing a series of grouse butts, and revealing excellent views back over Braenaloin, with the tors of Ben Avon eventually seen in the distance.

Stage 2

The track zig-zags up a steeper section before the route begins to level out on a broad heathery ridge, with a fence on the left. Beyond this are views to the great dome of Morven. Ignore a track leading off to the right, which is used for the descent.

Stage 3

The summit of Geallaig is marked by a wind-shelter cairn surrounding a trig point. For a hill of modest height and such an easy approach, the views are excellent, with a grand prospect across much of Deeside.

Stage 4

Lochnagar looks particularly magnificent. Retrace your steps briefly along the broad ridge before turning left on the track which descends the west side of the hill. It soon passes a cairn on a minor bump before continuing the descent. When the track forks take the right branch, eventually crossing a second minor bump on the moorland before curving northwards and reaching the B976 road.

Stage 5

For a quick return to the start you could simply follow the road to the right, but to take the second half of this walk instead turn left along it. It leads past a prominent cairn; after around 1km turn sharp right onto a track (signed as a right of way to Tomintoul, Inchrory and Corgarff). This well made track leads through a gate and across the moors; remain on the main track which keeps right at a junction near the scant ruins of an old settlement. The track now heads northwards, passing above the abandoned house of Blairglass.

Stage 6

Finally the track descends gently into the lonely upper reaches of Glen Gairn. At a junction of tracks, turn sharp right to begin the walk down the glen. The track runs atop a steep bank at first, with a sharp drop on the left down to the river. Further on, more abandoned farm cottages can be seen across the glen, which must once have been more heavily worked (today it is used for grazings).

Stage 7

Keep right at a junction and follow the main track (ignoring a bridge over the river) as it heads southeast. It eventually bears sharply right to reach Rineten, before becoming made up as it returns to Braenaloin and the start of the walk.

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