With another beautiful day there was no option other than head for the hills. I set off with the intention of picking up a sandwich on route, only to discover that the delivery had not yet arrived at the local shop. This caused a short delay as I instead bought buns, cheese and ham, popping back home to make my own! Setting off again, I made my way to the Linn of Dee to start my walk.
The target for today was Derry Cairngorm, a long walk that would be better with a bike to cover the three or so miles to Derry Lodge. No bike, no choice, it was boots or nothing for me. I had briefly contemplated wearing my trail shoes but aware of the bouldery summit and flying solo, I figured ankle support was in order just in case. If successful in my endeavour, while being my 1st solo munro it was also set to be my 199th in total.
Gentle Start: Walk Out to Derry Lodge
A bike is ideal if you’re doing any munros in this neck of the woods as it’s pretty easy going getting out to Derry Lodge and so much easier on the return leg. As it was I surprised myself by having a very enjoyable walk out listening to the rhythmic bumping of my sandwich box in my rucksack and feeling the sun warming me nicely on what was a relatively cool start; I reflected that it would be an easy walk back out if I achieved my goal. Oh how perceptions can change!
Reaching Derry Lodge I was childishly amused by the trowel box! Probably more so by the fact that it’s not open as a bothy! Just an old building that provides a bit of shelter round the back!
Beyond Derry Lodge
Crossing the bridge, the ascent began. The path was really good and this made for easy walking as after a narrow single track section it opened up a bit more. I quickly left the floor of the glen and it was good to pause and look back.
Onwards, upwards, the path continued to climb. Another couple of walkers had left the car park after me and passed on their bikes. They were ahead, but for reasons unknown one turned back.
I caught a glimpse of what I thought might be my target for the day. It looked a fair distance, although at this point still contemplating an out and back I could have been around a quarter of the way there.
Moving ever closer, the ground became a bit more uneven but the path continued much of the way.
Reaching the Summit
The final stretch to the summit was very bouldery, the path disappeared and I hopped from one big boulder to the next with relative ease, popping up to see a cairn heralding the top. There were actually two cairns on the summit; I think the first looked bigger and possibly higher, but to be safe I visited both.
Sheltering slightly off the top, I put on my jacket for warmth as it was quite cool in the breeze, and sat to enjoy my lunch. It was so peaceful, nobody else around at this point.
Descent via the Hutchison Memorial Hut
Suitably refreshed and enjoying my day, I made the decision to continue onwards, extending the distance, completing the circular route. The going was rough and bouldery, at times some semblance of a path appearing, and as I descended towards Loch Etchachan the path became clear once again.
Dropping down to the bealach, I met a couple and their dog, stopping to chat with them for a bit. The dog was shy and reluctant to speak to me so the owner gave me some biscuits to show a hand of friendship. The dog took the biscuits and backed off quickly!
Heading off down towards the Hutchison Memorial Hut I spotted three mountain bikers coming up. Chatting to them, they explained that they’d ridden down just for fun and were now pushing their sturdy downhill bikes back up in order to continue over to Ben Macdui. Serious kudos to them!
I stopped for a look at the hut, now maintained by the Mountain Bothy Association; a very comfortable looking bothy it was too!
I stopped and sat in the sunshine for a bit on a rocky outcrop to have a snack and take care of my feet, hurting a little with wearing boots, I think. I’m getting way too used to Altra running shoes!
Water Crossings
One of the points in the route guide that had caused me to consider the out and back route was the water crossings, a couple with no bridges. It has, however, been quite hot and dry of late so i didn’t foresee any issues.
The first bridge made for an interesting crossing. For someone that loves boardwalk, a boardwalk bridge with no handholds is not the thing that dreams are made of. Despite this, I walked tall and made it safely across (no crawling!) and did not even considering wading through the stream! Check me!
The next excitement was a hairy granny (caterpillar), a particularly large specimen. There were a few of these around today along with beautiful dragonflies and a number of midges. The midges were not overly bothersome, although I fear I may have eaten a few with my sandwich as they were quite prevalent at that time.
Heading back down the glen was beautiful. The purple heather out in bloom and adding to the magnificence of the environment. I looked back to appreciate where I’d been.
I could hear the water flowing below, at times the volume picking up as it flowed downwards. This was very calming, hypnotic even if it wasn’t for my sair feet!
I negotiated another couple of water crossings, one with stepping stones that I could see disappearing easily if the burn was in spate, the next being more of a challenge with my very leaky boots!
Looking back one last time ahead of finally reaching Derry Lodge I was glad to be nearing the end. My feet were audibly complaining and I struggled to see any way of easing this, finally removing my orthotics in the hope this might ease some of the pressure.
Return From Derry Lodge
Having managed to do so well throughout the day I almost took the wrong turning at Derry Lodge. Thankfully there was a couple of bikers there that I was blethering to and they pointed me in the right direction; I’m sure with my Walkhighlands route guide I wouldn’t have gone too far before realising the error of my ways!
The three miles back took way longer than I’d have liked! I chatted to more folks along this section, the last group being some tourists who enquired as to how many miles I’d walked and were very impressed. They had a wee girl with them who chit chatted for a bit and asked me my name. Bless!
Finally turning off for the car park I enjoyed one last look! A brilliant day, my feet hurt and I’ll be honest, I’m glad I’m not doing that again anytime soon!
Clare, happiest outdoors! 