Lairig Ghru 22nd June 2025

Lairig Ghru 22nd June 2025 After a 2 hour journey from Blairgowrie 26 members of the Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club and guests from the Forfar Ramblers started from Coylumbridge at 9 am with an anticipated 10 hour walk through the Lairig Ghru. The sun shone for most of the walk along the good tracks of Rothiemurchus forest and the whole group made good progress.

We had our first stop after 2 hours at the 8 km point - a break time that would meet the approval of Rob Robertson! The next stage was into the Lairig Ghru with a continuous ascent along the U shaped valley between the impressive crags of Lurchers Crag and Sron na Lairige. As we approached the high point of the pass we make our way through the boulder fields on winding paths that avoid the worst of the boulders. At the high point (835m) we had excellent and clear views down the Lairig Ghru over Rothiemurchus to Aviemore.

By the time we reached the most northerly of the two Pools of Dee we were ready for our second stop (for lunch this time). We sheltered from the strong southerly wind on the slope south of the pool. Refreshed we started on the third stage of the walk over the last sections of the boulder fields and picked up the rough path that heads south under the steep slopes of Ben Macdui to the east and the deep Garbh Coire to the west. In the headwall of the corrie we could see a distinctive snowfield - We discussed if it was the Sphinx, the consensus being that it was. Checking the location on the map confirms this - perhaps it will survive through 2025 (unlike 2024). By now we were accompanied by rain that continued until we reached the Corrour bothy junction - however, it didn't dampen spirits too much.

More sustenance being required we stopped on the path below Carn a'Mhaim as the rain diminished and the sun appeared fleetingly. We now had good views down Glen Dee and up to Sgor Mor. Bruce mentioned that he had seen an adder shortly before we stopped. After this stop we continued east towards Luibeg burn - most folk crossed by the boulders of the ford, taking the opportunity to remove rain gear as the sun had reappeared. A few people preferred to take the safer (but longer) route via the bridge. At Derry lodge bridge most of the group arrived together and we were able to re-create the "sitting on the log" photo of several years earlier. This left the final 4 km trek along the estate track to the Linn of Dee car park. Amazingly the A group met the C group making their way back from Clais Fhearnaig. Welcome cold beers and water awaited us at the coach. Most through walkers arrived between 6:30 and 6:45 (9 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 45 minutes after the start) apart from one who managed it in 8 hours 30 minutes!

C group had a leisurely start from Blairgowrie, travelling to Victoria bridge beyond Braemar. After crossing the bridge they walked through the policies of Mar Lodge estate and continued north east to the Linn of Quoich and the punch bowl. Here they visited the newly refurbished Queen’s bothy and chatted to fellow hillwalkers from Aberdeen. From the bothy they headed northwest beside the Quoich Water until they reached the Allt Clais Fhearaig where they turned west following a faint path to reach a super picnic spot beside some lochans. Lunch over they continued south west climbing out the gorge then descending to meet the track beside the Lui Water. Here they met the main party marching out from Derry Lodge and all groups chatted over the last few miles to the Linn of Dee car park and the bus home.

Wildlife spots were limited but the C party had plenty time to enjoy the moorland plants with yellow pimpernel, fragrant orchids and bell heather providing bright colours.