Date/Time
Date(s) - 29/08/201012:00 am
Walk Details
Pub Stop?: No O/S Map Sheet No.: 43 Grid Ref. Start: Grid Ref. Finish Walk (Miles): 16 Walk Hours: Bus Time to Walk: Bus Time from Walk: Departure time from walk:Walk Notes
Today’s walk takes us along a ridge of hills to the west side of Glen Clunie, just to the south of Braemar. Our walk commences near to the confluence of the Baddoch and the Cairnwell burns that merge into the Clunie Water near Baddoch NGR 138 832. From this starting point, cross the bridge and then head south westwards along the valley of the Baddoch Burn to approximately NGR 101 790 where the path peters out. From this point, climb north westwards alongside the stream taking the line of least resistance as there is no definite path, to eventually reach the plateau at a col (NGR 092 801) between the two tops of An Socach. To gain its highest top (944m) head basically westwards for just over a kilometer. From the main top of An Socach, retrace your steps back to the col and go northeastwards to its secondary top (938m). From here, keep to the high ground basically northwards past an unnamed 855m top and onwards (north eastwards) to gain the summit of Sgor Mor (887m). From this top head northwards to reach Carn Ghriogair and then northeastwards along the edge of Coire na Lairige to the top of Creag a’ Mhadaidh (804m). Continue to follow the high ground towards Carn na Drochaide (830m) with the valleys of the Allt na Slaite and Coire Yaltie to the west and east respectively. From this summit follow the high ground again basically north eastwards and then northwards to eventually meet a good wide track, coming up from Auchallater in Glen Clunie, to the summit of Morrone (859m). Given good visibility, wonderful panoramic views will be gained from this summit in all directions. From the top descend northeastwards on a good path for about two and a half miles which will eventually take you into Braemar.
Walking distance approximately 16 miles
For those members who would prefer a shorter walk, the bus can drop them off at Auchallater to allow them to cross the Water of Clunie by a footbridge at NGR 154 882 to then climb Morrone by a good track all the way to the summit. Returning to Braemar is as described in the main walk above.
Walking distance approximately 8 miles