The following walks should only be undertaken by experienced hillwalkers with the ability to use a map and compass.
* Beinn a’Ghlo -
A long hill day with three separate Munros - Carn Liath, Braigh Coire Chruin Bhalgain, and Carn nan Gabhar. The usual start is from the road end before Monzie Farm. It is a steep slog up to the first summit of Cairn Liath, but that's the worst bit done. This is possibly the best hill walk in the area; the views are superb on a good day.
* Carn A Chlamain
- This is an easy hill; getting to it is the hard bit. Situated above Glen Tilt, seven miles from the nearest public road, it is a long walk in. A mountain bike is recommended to cycle the seven miles up the Glen Tilt track to Forest Lodge (bikes can be hired in Blair Atholl). From Forest Lodge, it is a fairly straightforward 2.5 mile hike to the summit. An alternative route down the south-west ridge is pleasant, but please do not use this route during the stag season (mid-August to mid-October).
* Beinn Dearg -
This granite hill sits above Glen Bruar. It is a long but straightforward hill walk in good weather, but route-finding can be tricky in the mist. Two approaches are possible. From Calvine, head up Glen Bruar for seven miles, past Glen Bruar Lodge and up the stalker’s path opposite a small loch. From Blair Atholl, you can walk up Glen Banvie and follow the track north west to the Allt Shiechechan Bothy. A path, indistinct in places, will take you up the rounded south ridge to the summit. The return to Blair Atholl can be varied by following the track (not shown on the OS map) to the Allt Slanaidh and on to Glen Tilt.
* Minigag Drover’s Route -
This is not a hill walk as such, but it reaches 820 metres at its highest point and is a strenuous walk requiring map and compass skills. The route starts from Blair Atholl, heads over to Glen Bruar and up to the head of the glen, where a steep ascent to the high moorland plateau is made. Route finding can be difficult here. A long descent to Glen Tromie and eventually Kingussie finishes the 40 km route. Most people take two days to complete this walk. You can catch a train back to Blair Atholl.
* Glen Tilt to Braemar -
This is a long walk in hill country, but somewhat easier than the previous ones. Many people take two days to tackle it. There is little ascent or descent and a path or track runs the whole 22 miles to Linn of Dee. From there, it is a seven mile walk along a minor road to Breamar. There is a ford at the Geldie Burn that can be dangerous after heavy rain. For a real adventure, the Lairig Ghru can then be tackled from Linn of Dee or White Bridge to take you further through the Cairngorms to Aviemore. |
