Loch Morlich & Creag a’ Chalamain
1
NH958096 Loch Morlich has several car parks situated along its northern shore and this walk utilises the one at its north-western edge. From here follow red waymarks west alongside Loch Morlich to the Aviemore/Coire Cas road. Make a left and walk along a short section of roadside verge then turn left, cross a bridge over the River Luineag into Rothiemurchus. An estate track now heads south through gorgeous woodland. Keep straight on at a signpost for the Lairig Ghru. Heading south-west, the track now continues, passing the lovely Lochan nan Geadas to another fork – keep an eye out for red squirrel and crested tit. Keep right, again signposted for the Lairig Ghru, from where a path progresses easily south-west through Rothiemurchus for another 1.4km to a crossroads.
2
NH938075 Take the well-maintained path on the left, which rises gradually, leading high above the fast flowing Allt Druidh. In due course the path climbs away from the woodland onto open hillside where a sumptuous view extends to the immense cliffs of Creag an Leth-choin and the vast northern flank of Braeriach. A wonderful section of the route now crosses moorland where wheatear, meadow pipit and skylark may be spied. In a while drop down to the early stages of the Allt Druidh, at which point turn left onto a path that ascends
3
NH959037 Initially the route climbs steadily before the gradient eases and the expertly maintained path rises north, with Creag a’ Chalamain rising ahead. After 1.5km, just before entering the Chalamain Gap, take an obvious path on the left for a short, steep climb onto the broad summit of Creag a’ Chalamain. An exceptional vista extends to Braeriach, Sgoran Dubh Mor and down onto Loch Morlich.
4
NH963053 Return to the outward-bound route and turn left to enter the deep fissure of the Chalamain Gap. Translating from the Gaelic Eag Coire na Còmhdhalach as The Ravine of the Corrie of the Assembly, the gap was used by drovers travelling to Braemar from Nethy Bridge. The gap has garnered a thorny reputation for its perceived difficulty but if a little time and care is taken then its 200m length is relatively straightforward. Initially some huge boulders have to be negotiated but soon a clear path is picked up and this descends through the crevice and out into the wide-open space of Glenmore National Nature Reserve. Keep on as the path continues over moorland, with a superb view of Meall a Bhuachaille. Eventually the route swings north and descends to a path on the right. Take this then the next right and descend into a gorge, where cuts the fast-flowing water of the Allt Mor.
5
NH984071 Cross a footbridge, turn left then walk through woodland, along the Allt Mor Trail. After 1km the path reaches the Aviemore/Coire Cas road. Carefully go straight across from where the trail proceeds through another spectacular portion of the Glenmore Forest Park, eventually reaching a junction. Turn left, cross a bridge over Allt Mor into Allt Mor Car Park. Walk through here, cross its access road, and continue. Once opposite Hayfield Car Park the path splits. Keep right and follow a path, which culminates at the Aviemore/Coire cas road, just before the Abhainn Ruigh-eunachan.
6
NH980095 Turn right, follow the verge for 600m to Glenmore Visitor Centre car park from where the Old Logging Way is gained. This is easily followed west, near the shores of Loch Morlich, back to the start.