Ailnack Gorge Navigation Walk

Sun 14th Sep 2025

Walk Details:

Event Type
Group Walk
Region / Area
Scotland / NE Cairngorms
Local Group
North of Scotland
Distance
15ml.
Start Time
09:30
Route
Queen's view c.p (W3W pacifist.librarian.sunbeam)

The walk initially follows a good track which runs parallel to the Gorge, heading south west from Tomintoul. At the end of the track we will make our way towards the upper end of the gorge (the castle) using map & compass to navigate the pathless terrain

General Notes
On this walk we combine a visit to the spectacular Ailnack Gorge with practicing navigation skills. Please bring a compass. Map extracts will be provided. No prior knowledge of navigation is required. The walk will involve negotiating steep slopes, a stream crossing & pathless heather. A shorter, gentler walk will also be available if there is demand. The walk is unlikely to be suitable for dogs as we will be stopping regularly to focus on navigation. However, if you wish to bring a dog, please contact the walk leader to discuss
Start and Finish

Entry Details:

Cost

Walk Report

Nine members enjoyed exploring the glacial meltwater channel of the Ailnack Gorge near Tomintoul whilst practicing their map reading skills. Three walkers opted for the full 15 mile route up to 'the Castle' rock formation, with six taking a shorter route, crossing the river at Ca-du Ford before returning along Glen Avon. Both routes involved some challenging pathless terrain and steep descents and ascents to cross rivers. We had a lovely sunny day, and recent dry weather meant that the ground was generally not too boggy and rivers were crossable with care.

Other Files

GPX

A GPX file of the above route may be downloaded by clicking the link below.

Note: GPX files of Group Walks are created by LDWA Group members, and may be downloaded only by other LDWA members. They should not be made available outside the LDWA, and are used at members' own risk.

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You can use the interactive controls to zoom in and out and to move around the map, or click on a path or a marker for more info. (interactive map help)

You can use the interactive controls to zoom in and out and to move around the map, or click on a path or a marker for more info. (interactive map help)

 
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2016.
© OpenStreetMap contributors under Open Database Licence
Rights of way data from selected Local Authorities
Large scale digital mapping is provided by John Thorn
At high zoom levels the route is indicative only.

Maps:

You can use the interactive controls to zoom in and out and to move around the map, or click on a marker for more info. (interactive map help)

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Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2016.
© OpenStreetMap contributors under Open Database Licence.
Rights of way data from selected Local Authorities.
Large scale digital mapping is provided by John Thorn.