In August 2019, three of us did the Lairig Ghru, a 19 mile linear Grade 4 walk through a pass of the majestic Cairngorm mountains. Due to it being a linear walk we had to drive to Braemar in two cars the day before and leave one at the Linn of Dee car park. We then drove back to Aviemore and started the walk bright and early on the next day. It was pretty miserable, rainy and claggy, and the fourth member of our group wasn't ' feeling it' so decided to go back. Myself and the two other stalwarts chose to continue onward...
This was a true epic walk that included climbing over the huge bolder field of the Chalamain Gap and wading through boggy landscapes and indistinct paths. The most wilderness walk I've ever done. There were no roads. No cars. No sheep. No goats. No cows. We saw one guy coming the other way who was heading to the bothy on a nostalgic trip. After chatting to him we learned that the last time he'd been there was in 1976!
The pass is surrounded on all sides by the Cairngorms and is truly spectacular. A tough but unforgettable walk. Here are some photos:
The start of the walk from Aviemore.
Chalamain Gap boulder field.
Me contemplating what lies ahead!
Paul transversing those lovely boulders!
The gang. Paul, John and me.
This was when the path was good. Later it virtually disappeared!
Clach nan Taillear. An imposing sight.
Getting towards the end of the pass.
On the banks of the River Dee.
The forest at Linn of Dee. Almost there.
Mountain vistas.
We did it!
Map of the route.
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