A magnificent solo 4½-day backpack of the Central Cairngorms, a circuit that boasts some of the finest mountain scenery in Scotland. The route takes in nine Munros, including five of the elite 4000+ feet peaks.
The weather conditions were perfect throughout with almost constant sunshine and good clarity, while the patchy lingering snowfields added a touch of winter spice to the landscape, accentuating the sinuous curves of the corrie rims. They don’t come much better than this.
After Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui I saw very few people, only a handful on the western side of the Lairig Ghru from Devil’s Point to Braeriach, which really surprised me at this time of year for this part of Scotland.
10 Comments
Fascinating report Geoff. As you’ve said, it seems to have been a popular area with the bloggers of late. You were so lucky with your phone as well. I drove down past the Cairngorms last year coming back from the family holiday and looked at all the mountains. Definitely an area to think about for the future - thanks for sharing your experiences.
Thanks again Phil.
It was incredible luck with the phone. I wish Vivien had been there, I’m already studying the map for a return trip for both of us.
If the weather is good it is stunning. You had the good weather there. Fantastic photos and a good route. I must dig out some old photos of the place as your trip report has reminded me of something from an old trip I did. I will go back this year. It has that effect on me. Scotland seems to be drawing you in Geoff. North West next ?
Good one Geoff. You were lucky with the weather! Great photos.
Martin, Robin
Thanks again, I can start catching up on your reports now.
Incredible weather!. The long drive isn’t bad at all when you get weather like that, but the thought of a 700-mile round trip only to be walking in clag half the time is too awful for words!. Still I’m sure it won’t be long before a return. We are hoping for another trip there together that will cover some of the same ground.
A great trip report Geoff - you were so so lucky with the weather. Your photos really do the area justice. I am sure that we will see more Scottish trip reports soon!
Thanks James.
I was really pleased to have captured the Cairngorms in crystal clear conditions.
We need some really good new territory now and it’s all north of the border, so I guess it’s inevitable. Until recently (on Arran) we had quite forgotten what it was like to top out on a brand new mountain, it has certainly fuelled the old desire!.
I too am running out of new mountains to climb as I near completing the Nuttalls - it will be a bit weird not having an unexplored 2000ft top in England and Wales. If I dont go mad and drag them out a bit and just do one per backpack I may have just about two years of bagging left!
Great trip report and brilliant photos, Geoff. I know what you mean about even the Allt Mor Trail being a pleasant walk to end your trip. I did a short walk at 5 - 10pm that day after meeting you. After walking up from Rothimurchis Lodge, to Creag a Chalamain and through the Chalamain Gap, I descended from the Cairngorm ski road using the Allt Mor trail. It was lovely walking through the woods in the cool evening air.
Thanks very much. We were hopeful of a return next week but the predicted high heat and - especially - humidity make it unlikely now. We’ll keep watching the forecasts.
The Allt Mor trail, and the Glenmore local walks generally, are really attractive and well managed, there is plenty to enjoy at all levels.