I’m wondering about my next trip. Originally I had thought of going to Snowdonia in a couple of week’s time, but various things now militate against that plan. I had tentative plans of going back to Scotland in May. Originally I was looking at the second May Bank Holiday. However, it’s now looking likely that the first May Bank Holiday is more convenient logistically. So I’m starting to firm up my plans.
Ideally I’d like to go for a week, but that’s not possible so it looks like up on Sunday night on the sleeper, returning on Friday evening. Last year I thought very seriously about doing the TGO Challenge this year, but couldn’t take the time off work.
I’ve already worked out four different routes across Scotland on my Tracklogs digital mapping for when I do eventually do the TGOC. My initial thought was to raid part of one of these for a route. The favourite was the Strathcarron to Fort Augustus stretch. On reflection, though I’d rather keep that for another time.
Now I’m thinking of a grand circuit of the Cairngorms using Aviemore as a start and finish. The route I’m thinking of is: Glenmore Lodge, Strath Nethy, Loch Avon, Glen Avon, Linn of Avon, Glen Builg, Loch Builg Lodge, River Gairn (westwards), Carn Eag Dhubh bealach, Quioch Water, Clais Fhearnaig, Derry Lodge, Glenn Derry, Lairig an Laoigh, Fords of Avon, around the east side of Bynack More, Glenmore Lodge. Total distance of 52miles (not counting to and from Aviemore), which should be doable in 5 days.
Not certain, but looking more tempting by the day!
Looks a great trip. I was up there same time last year, base camping about 2km south of Beinn a Chaorainn, and blagging munros in several directions. One of the great things about the Cairngorms is that, once you have got up onto the plateau, you can cruise around with much less ascent or descent than you might think. So have you thought of, say, heading for Loch Etchachan – a magnificent place to camp, the highest loch there is – and just enjoy being up there for a day or two. You can do fantastic hills like Derry Cairngorm or Ben Macdui in less than an hour from there! A lot would depend on the snow of course – there’s still loads – but at the same time last year it had pretty much vanished, so perhaps you should have a high/good-weather option up your sleeve.
By: Jerry (aka ALoveSupreme) on 5 April 2008
at 9:58 pm
Looks brilliant. That’s a great idea to base camp there and do the tops. I’ll give it some serious thought for another time, perhaps Autumn.
By: blogpackinglight on 6 April 2008
at 3:34 pm