Great cycle run on gravel tracks through a stretch of the old Caledonian pine forest.
★
★
★
★
★
Alternative to the main ski track access to or from Cairnwell. In some places the path has been restored with boardwalks over the boggiest parts.
The Cairnwell is a short hike and one of the easiest Munros. There is a great view from the top however the summit has an ugly radio tower and concrete hut on it. Worth the walk for the view if you can ignore the concrete hut behind you.
★
★
★
This started off like any other hike. A bit windy and a decent view of the surrounding area. This quickly changed as we came through what I call the wind tunnel part of this route. The wind really picked up and the visibility just disappeared. It was manageable although pretty grim getting to ban macdui. However it was the return from the top that was the worst part. Had I known the route I’d have choose to come back the way we went up. The return down took us across a further 2 peaks dealing with 56MPH crosswinds and rain. Only for the fact that I was committed to this route and it would have been worse to turn back stopped me from doing so. We finally managed our last climb up to the Cairngorm mountain and once over the top of that the wind died down a bit. This was the first time I’d been on a hike and thought this was dangerous. But we did do it and we can laugh about it now. But I’d suggest anyone that isn’t confident in navigating or a beginner to mountain climbing don’t attempt climbs in bad weather.
★
★
★
★
★
Fantastic ride around the Balmoral Estate and a great stop for lunch at the Highlanders Bake House Crathie.
★
★
★
★
★
