| Sgor Gaoith from
Auchlean Sgor Gaoith |
| Estimated net time | 4-6 hours | ||
| Difficulty |
No difficulties. The whole route is hiked on path, which is a bit vague a few places across the plateau. |
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| Drinking water | Running water from stream through the forest, and also when crossing stream above the forest. | ||
| GSM coverage | Coverage throughout the route (May 2010). | ||
| Parking | Room for many cars at the car park by trail head. | ||
| Start height | 325 metres | ||
| Vertical metres | 870 metres for the roundtrip. | ||
| Trip distance | 16.0 km | ||
| GPS-file | X | ||
| Map |
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| Route photo |
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From Aviemore village centre drive south on road B9152 a little more than 600 metres from the Cairngorm Hotel to the roundabout. Turn left here onto road B970, signed for Coylumbridge and Cairngorms. After 1.1 km turn right, continuing on road B970, signed for Insh. Drive 8.9 km south on B970, and turn left where signed "Achlean". Drive another 6.6 km and park on the car park on the left hand side of the road.
Start walking by following the road another 750 metres, and turn left onto the path where signed for Carn Ban Mor (this sign is engraved on a stone). Follow this path south-east through the forest, and later north-east along the stream. This path soon heads east, up towards the top of Allt Fhearnagan. Continue all the way up to the small saddle, and then turn left (north), across the small top Carn Ban More, and all the way to Sgor Gaoith's summit.
Descend by reversing your ascent route.
This Sunday was our last full day of this year's Scotland trip, and after my morning hike to Ord Ban I joined the Hans Erik and Håvard for breakfast. They had decided to play golf instead of another hike, so after driving them to the golf course I headed south for a hike to Sgor Gaoith.
As I got to the forest I met three hikes carrying skis, and they told me they had been to Braeriach. I assume they had carried their skis something like 80-90% of their hike, but I'm sure the little skiing they managed was very enjoyable. After the quick chat I continued through the forest and up towards the large plateau where Sgor Gaoith is the highest point. Just below the small saddle at the top of Allt Fhearnagan I had to cross a field of snow. This didn't feel comfortable at all since the snow field had a crevasse across it a little below where people had crossed before me. And the terrain was fairly steep so I had serious fears that the lower part of the snow field could slide off the mountain. I was therefore extremely focused as I crossed the snow, and was very relieved when I got across the snow.
Soon after crossing the snow I got to the saddle and turned left towards Sgor Gaoith. Up here I overtook a number of hikers, on the long and flat stretch towards the summit. The summit provided very nice views towards the Braeriach massif, and down to Loch Einich. But because of a strong wind the summit wasn't a place for a long stay today, so I soon headed back down to the car. Again I was very focused when crossing the snow, and again there were no problems.
