Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/08/20248:00 am - 7:30 pm
Walk Details
Pub Stop?: If Time Permits O/S Map Sheet No.: 43 Grid Ref. Start: 141 775 Grid Ref. Finish 156 882 Walk (Miles): 12 Walk Hours: 7 Bus Time to Walk:2 hrs Bus Time from Walk: 2.5 hrs Departure time from walk: 5:00 pmWalk Notes
Today’s walk was originally scheduled as Auchallater to Glenshee”, however the route has been reversed to complete the walk from “Cairnwell to Auchallater”. The main reasons being the higher start point at the Cairnwell Ski Centre and to allow for a variety of shorter walks. Also the finish point is nearer to Braemar and a shorter journey home to Aberdeen.
The main walk will see us travelling in the general direction of northwards from the summit of Glas Maol along a fairly wide grassy ridge with corries on either sides. Navigation is therefore important particularly in mist or low cloud as there are cliff tops at the edges of these corries.
Route 1. Cairnwell to Auchallater via 3 Munros. We commence the main walk at the end of southmost of the ski car parks at Cairnwell ( NGR 141 775). A rough access track leaves the road and climbs over a knoll into a dip containing some ski tow buildings. Climb up the stoney slopes eastwards to reach the summit of Meall Odhar (922m) and continue eastwards towards the summit plateau and the cairn of Glas Maol. (1068m).From here descend north eastwards passing over the Monega track which is crossing from Little Glas Maol heading north towards Sron na Gaoith. We however hug the edges of Garbh-coire to reach the top of Cairn of Claise(1064m).This ridge forms part of the old county boundary and for part of the way to the summit of Cairn of Claise there is a stone dyke. From this summit, head due north down a gradual descent leading to a col between the cliffs of Corrie Kander on the right and the slopes of Cul Riabhach on the left. Cross the col and head to the top of Carn an Tuirc(1019m), keeping to the rim of Corrie Kander to the right. Then descend to reach a faint track which heads northwards eventually reaching a bulldozed track leading to the bridge at the end of Loch Callater. Cross the bridgeto the lodge and bothy before reaching the glen road and the familiar 3 mile walk to the main road at Auchallater car park where the bus will be parked (NGR 156 882).
Walk distance 12 miles/20 km . Ascent 2,090ft/637m
Max elevation: 1067 m
Min elevation: 367 m
Route 2. Baddoch to Auchallater via Loch Callater Bothy. From the road junction at Baddoch head eastwards through the ravine between Creag nan Gabhar and Creag an t-Sean-ruigh and follow the track for approx.2 miles through the Bealach Buidhe heading towards Callater Lodge and bothy. From here head northwards along a good track down Glen Callater to reach Auchallater car park where the bus will be parked(NGR 156 882).
Max elevation: 0 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Route 3. Baddoch to Auchallater via Creag nan Gabhar & Sron nan Gabhar Ridge. From Route 2 (above) start point head eastwards through the ravane until approx. NGR 164 834, then head north to reach the summit of Creag nan Gabhar (734m). Continue along the Sron nan Gabhar ridge descending via a track at Sron Dubh to reach the glen road before turning left onto the good track to reach Auchallater car park.
Max elevation: 0 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Route 4. Auchallater to Loch Callater Bothy & Back. From Auchallater car park follow the good track along Glen Callater for 3 miles to reach Loch Callater Lodge and bothy. return by the same outward route.
Max elevation: 0 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Routes 2,3 & 4 Walk Distance = 10 Kms (6 miles) approx. Ascent: Route 2 – 270m/885 ft; Route 3 – 471m/1545 ft; Route 4 – 145m/475 ft.
Bookings
This event is fully booked. Please contact the bookings secretary Gilbert to be added to a reserve list - gilbertmccurdy@btinternet.com or telephone 07807 240817 (7pm to 8pm).