The Lairig Ghru

Distance – 31km (19 miles) Total ascent – 650m A favourite for many and once one of the main routes used for driving cattle through the Cairngorm mountains, this walk is full of stunning views and fascinating stories of times gone by. It’s a challenging walk and not one to be taken lightly, a degree of fitness will be required and some long walks prior is a good idea, especially if your breaking in new boots! The walk takes you through the heart of the Cairngorms, reaching an altitude of 835m where you will find the wonderous Pools of Dee. The surrounding mountains on both sides of the Lairig Ghru tower above you creating a dark, remote ‘V’ shaped gap, with the massive Ben Macdui on one side, Braeriach on the other. The pass gives a rich variety of woodland and mountain scenery. It truly is the best mountain pass in Scotland. There is a good variety of mountain flora along the pass and the area is full of history, we look forward to sharing this with you on our walk. Times Meet at the Linn o' Dee car park at 8:45, walk departs at 9am. The walk will take us circa 10- 12 hours depending on the group and weather. A mini bus will pick us up from Coylumbridge and take us back to Linn o’ Dee, this journey normally takes about 1.5hrs. Drop off in Braemar is possible too. Safety Aspects

There is little in the way of hazards on this walk except the usual underfoot conditions that you find while walking in Scotland, some rough tracks, very few boggy areas, a couple of boulder sections and these surfaces can be slippery underfoot in wet conditions. The main risk will be a slip so adequate footwear is essential, boots or trail shoes with a good grip. If the weather forecast is extremely poor, especially for high winds, the walk may be postponed. In the unlikely event someone is injured on the way or pulls up with an injury we may have to turn back as a group. There will always be another day and the safety of the group is the most important aspect. Your guide will carry all the essential safety equipment required to keep the group safe and will show these items to you prior to departure. You will be given a short safety discussion at the start of your walk.

©Hillgoers 2018 www.hillgoers.com [email protected] tel: +44 (0)7753 488688

Kit - This kit list can be used as a guide for what you need to bring on a summer day’s hill walk with Hillgoers, please contact us for any kit advice.

Essentials In the bag

Walking boots / shoes Comfortable, waterproof, support the ankle and good grip.

Socks Woollen socks, merino mix.

Walking trousers Quick drying walking trousers (not jeans).

Waterproof over trousers Something you can pull on and off quite easily.

Base layer T-shirt or shirt next to your skin, should be breathable product like merino, avoid cotton as this holds moisture.

Mid Layer Warm and comfortable.

Extra warm layers (fleece Fleece or down jacket. or down jacket) Outer jacket Waterproof with built in hood.

Gloves layers of gloves can be a good option.

Hats A good warm hat and a spare is good too. A buff can take the chill off your neck too. Rucksack A comfortable day sack with hip belt. Waterproof cover or liner inside to keep your kit dry.

Food Enough for a day on the hills, you will burn a lot of calories so additional snack bars are good too.

Drink We use a filter water bottle so we can pick up water when needed, saves carrying.

Torch Head torch with new batteries and spares.

Personal items Anything you would normally take with you for a long day in the hills, toiletries, small first aid, etc.

Midge net / spray Depending on time of year.

Sun cream Depending on forecast!

Optional

Walking poles Great items and take the strain off your knees.

Camera / mobile phone

Map and Compass We can provide discounted Harvey Maps and Silva Compass.

What your guide will also bring

Map, Compass and spares   Whistle   Spare layers Down jackets, hats and gloves – If cold please use them.   Group shelter & Blizzard Large enough for whole group & emergency warm bag.  Bag  Group First aid kit   Unlocked mobile phone/s   GPS   ©Hillgoers 2018 www.hillgoers.com [email protected] tel: +44 (0)7753 488688