Walk Report

A magnificent achievement for the 5 members that completed this classic big mountain route through the Lairig an Laoigh (Pass of the Calves) and the iconic Lairig Ghru that circumnavigates around the central massive of the Cairngorm mountains. We started at 6am to be able to complete this long 15 hour day in some of the most remote mountain areas in Scotland in perfect weather for it. The route started and ended at Glenmore (330m ASL) going clockwise to Ryvoan Pass, then east to the shoulder of Bynack More at (790m) before descending to the Fords of Avon (690m) where we had our first refreshment stop. A couple of river crossings across the Fords of Avon and then a shallow ascent to the Lairig an Laoigh (740m) and then down the classic glaciated Vally of Glen Derry and our lunch stop at Derry Lodge(420), where we were met by John who supplied us with some much need food and encouragement. Everyone was keen to continue the walk at this halfway stage, so we embarked on our return to the start via the Lairig Ghru pass. Heading west up Glen Luibeg and then traversing into Glen Dee to pass under the mighty Devil's peaking heading north to the Pools of Dee and the Lairig Ghru (835m). At this stage we were taking frequent food and drink breaks to keep hydrated and our energy levels up. The last leg back to Glenmore was probably the most challenging bit with the massive boulder fields of the Chalamaim gap to negotiate. Once through the this, it was a pleasant walk on good paths with one last short uphill sting in the tail. Lovely evening sunshine to finish the walk followed by celebratory drink in the Pine Martin Bar in Glenmore curtesy of Ros. Many thanks to the 5 members that stayed the course too complete this magnificent mountain route.

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