Sgòr Mòr circular, from the Linn of Dee

Summary

Viewed in isolation, Sgòr Mòr would be an unassuming hill - a rounded heather moorland crowned by several summits. However, its position on the southern fringe of the Cairngorms makes it one of the finest viewpoints for looking in towards this great range, and combined with the always magnificent pinewoods it makes for a grand days walking.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good going underfoot on the plateau between the summits, and on the path on the return leg. The initial climb, however, is through deep heather, and the descent crosses some extensive boggy areas.

Deer Stalking information

National Trust for Scotland. No stalking issues.

Getting there

Start

Linn of Dee car park (charge).

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NO062897

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 20.75km / 13 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 544m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Sgòr Mòr

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Walk Description

User reports (12)

Stage 1

Park at the Linn of Dee car park; there is a charge payable to the National Trust for Scotland. Begin the walk by returning to the Linn of Dee road and turning right towards the bridge. As the road bends left to cross the Dee, continue straight ahead onto the track past the barrier - it is signed as a right of way to places such as Blair Atholl (via Glen Tilt) and Kingussie (via Glen Feshie) - both superb long-distance cross-country walks; it's worth visiting the Linn of Dee just off to the left. The track leads past some fine old granny pines, with the beautiful River Dee on the left. Further on the remains of several old townships can be seen dotted around the glen floor.

Stage 2

After 500m of track there's a break in the trees on the right, and a faint track heads off right. Turn onto this briefly before heading WNW up deep, pathless heather, passing through scattered pines - it's hard going. Part way up is an electrified deer fence; there's a gate in it at NO 053900 (just in the trees). Pass through, then keep aiming uphill towards Càrn an 'lc Duibhe. The ascent is tough going due to the terrain, but there are good views across the glen looking back.

Stage 3

The gradient eases and the heather becomes short-cropped just before the cairn is reached, revealing a good view up to the length of Glen Derry towards Beinn Mheadhoin and its tors; Derry Cairngorm is the prominent cone to its left. The route now heads roughly NW down gentle but wet slopes, coming alongside a fence line for a time. There's then a very steady ascent towards Sgòr Dubh; the fence eventually heads off left but continue ahead towards the top.

Stage 4

The summit of Sgòr Dubh is marked by both a cairn and a trig point; from here the views really begin to open up, with a grandstand view across the southern Cairngorms from Cairn Toul through Ben Macdui to Beinn a'Bhuird. From here the route ahead runs along the broad, very easy-going ridge which sweeps westwards for 3km and the view gets better with each step.

Stage 5

The going becomes rocky as the Corbett summit of Sgòr Mòr is approached; the highest point is marked with a large cairn looking northwards into the Lairig Ghru. The quickest way back is via Glen Dee, but a return via Glen Luibeg is much more scenci. There is boggy ground in the bealach between the summit and Creagan nan Gabhar; one option is to continue westward towards Sgòr an Eoin before skirting the worst of the bog on its western side and then cutting across the west flank of Creagan nan Gabhar. There is then a rather soggy descent towards the path which links the Lairig Ghru with Glen Luibeg.

Stage 6

The headwaters of the Allt Preas nam Meirleach are particularly boggy - aim to pass immediately east of the marshy lochan. There are stunning views of the Devil's Point from here. Continue a short distance up the slope opposite to join the path, and then turn right to begin the long walk back.

Stage 7

The path descends gently into Glen Luibeg. The main path leads to a ford over the river; no problem in dry weather, but impassable in spate, in which case you should turn left on a boggy path before the final descent to reach the Luibeg bridge before rejoining the main path on the far side. Continue down the glen; there is a wet grassy area amidst the pines before a footbridge over the River Derry is reached just north of Derry Lodge.

Stage 8

Cross the bridge and then follow the main track past the derelict Lodge, set beautifully amidst the pines. After another 3.5km turn right - remaining on the main track - to cross a bridge over the River Luibeg. A little over a kilometre further on, turn right onto a good clear footpath that leads back to the car park near the Linn of Dee.

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