Looking towards the Lairig Ghru, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

While Seton Gordon wrote of walking between Braemar to Aviemore and going through the Lairig Ghru overnight between judging of bagpipe playing in both places on consecutive days, I suggest a two-day timing for the same journey. With a summit height near the Pools of Dee At around two thirds of the height of the surrounding hills, the Lairig Ghru is not a mere stroll, especially during winter. The 43 km (or 28 mile) length of the journey is another consideration so breaking it around Corrour bothy seems prudent.

This photo comes from my first trip to the area, so there was no chance of embarking on such an escapade. Instead, I contented myself with peering into the cleft through the hills before making for the tops of Creag a' Chalamain and Castle Hill to survey the surrounding terrain before commencing a downhill return to Aviemore. Since that introduction more than sated me that day, I have returned to area more once after that time.