Updates

DRC 2008 Overview Map
You can zoom/pan around the map to see the points in relationship to each other
http://www.rowanbank.eclipse.co.uk/DRC2008_map.html?m=50
Jump to any individual point using this hyperlink and substituting marker number

If you want to keep your tally on the blog - enter in brackets in your updates.

Challenge Control Points

28/12/08 Ben (100!!!) , Clare (100!!!) and Andy 4

24/12/08 Ewan (10!!!) et al 97

22/12/08 Ben and Clare 3, 5 (99)

22/12/08 Ewan, Sarah and Jon 77

22/12/08 Michael 56 (50)

06/12/08 Sarah 74

01/12/08 Ewan, Jon and Sarah 91

30/11/08 Michael 91,87 (49)

29/11/08 Clare and Ben 6, 7 and 8 (97)
28/11/08 Ewan, Jon and Sarah 90
21/11/08 Jon (50!!!) and Sarah 67
10/11/08 Sarah, Jon and Ewan 92
09/11/08 Ewan and Sarah 75
02/11/08 Ewan and Sarah 55
02/11/08 Sarah 30
02/11/08 Evelyn and Derek 20 (100!!!!!)
02/11/08 Michael 61 (47)
01/11/08 Evelyn and Derek 10 (again) 9 and 10 (again)
11/10/08 Dave H 17, 18 (100!!!!!)
08/10/08 James 80
05/10/08 James 59
05/10/08 Evelyn and Derek 36, 28
04/10/08 Evelyn and Derek 30, 31
28/09/08 Sarah 75 (50!!!!)
28/09/08 Evelyn and Derek 44, 43
27/09/08 Sarah 35, 34
27/09/08 Evelyn and Derek 25, 26, 27 (92)
21/09/08 Evelyn and Derek 37
20/09/08 Evelyn and Derek 29
14/09/08 Sarah 44, 43
14/09/08 Evelyn and Derek 63
13/09/08 Evelyn and Derek 13, 12, 11
07/09/08 Gary 1,2,10 (73)
06/09/08 Evelyn and Derek 18, 17, 19, 21 (83)
05/09/08 Sarah 66
04/09/08 Evelyn and Derek 62
02/09/08 Evelyn and Derek 88, 87
01/09/08 Sarah 85
30/08/08 Gary 47, 48
14/08/08 Evelyn and Derek 40 (76)
13/08/08 Evelyn and Derek 41
12/08/08 Evelyn and Derek 60
11/08/08 Evelyn and Derek 38
09/08/08 Evelyn and Derek 16, 15
08/08/08 Sarah and Jon 83, 84
07/08/08 Evelyn and Derek 61 (70)
05/08/08 Evelyn and Derek 58
04/08/08 Evelyn and Derek 50
03/08/08 Dave H 47 (97)
03/08/08 Gary 28, 31, 36 (63)
02/08/08 Evelyn and Derek 46, 45, 47
31/07/08 Dave H 70
30/07/08 Evelyn and Derek 39
30/07/08 Dave and Gary 29
29/07/08 Evelyn and Derek 53
29/07/08 Dave H 73, 6
28/07/08 Evelyn and Derek 48
28/07/08 Dave and Gary 86
25/07/08 Evelyn and Derek 8, 7, 6, 4, 5, 3, 10 (again) - Heroes'R'us 2-nearly (61)
25/07/08 Dave H 66
24/07/08 Gary 52
24/07/08 Dave and Kathy 49
23/07/08 Evelyn and Derek 51
23/07/08 Gary 60, 90
23/07/08 Dave H 92
22/07/08 Evelyn and Derek 57
21/07/08 Dave and Kathy 10, 2, 1
20/07/08 Dave (87) and Kathy (51) 16, 15
19/07/08 Dave and Kathy 88
18/07/08 Dave and Kathy 100
18/07/08 Dave and Helen 30
17/07/08 Dave H 82
16/07/08 Dave H 19
15/07/08 Dave H 62
14/07/08 Dave H 36
13/07/08 Dave and Kathy 71, 72
12/07/08 Sarah 67
12/07/08 Dave and Kathy 38
08/07/08 Dave H 74
06/07/08 Kathy and Laura 44, 21, 20
06/07/08 Dave and Alan Sealy 13, 14 ,12 ,11
05/07/08 Michael 6, 7, 8
05/07/08 Dave and Kathy 45
05/07/08 Gary 12, 13 (53)
04/07/08 Dave and Kathy 41
02/07/08 Dave and Kathy 52
30/06/08 Karen 18,17
30/06/08 Dave H 60
26/06/08 Michael 64
22/06/08 James 6, 8
22/06/08 Michael 89, 90, 93
21/06/08 Michael 66
21/06/08 Evelyn and Derek 10, 1, 2 (53)
17/06/08 Evelyn and Derek 65, 67
15/06/08 Evelyn and Derek 69, 68, 64
14/06/08 Dave and Kathy 90
14/06/08 Dave and Gary 46
07/06/08 James 65, 63
07/06/08 Dave and Gary 8, 7, 6, 4, 5, 3, 9 (just call us the Heroes of the Cairngorms)
04/06/08 Karen and Colin 36
31/05/08 Kathy 92
29/05/08 James 55, 53, 54
29/05/08 Karen, Colin and ian 51
27/05/08 Karen and Colin 12,13
26/05/08 Karen and Jo 78,82
25/05/08 Karen 91
24/05/08 Michael 67, 70
23/05/08 Karen, colin and Jo 61
22/05/08 Dave and Gary 21, 20
22/05/08 James 91, 88
21/05/08 Karen and Colin 14
19/05/08 Karen and Jo 25,26
18/05/08 Sarah and Jon 38, 36, 37
18/05/08 James 61, 77, 79, 78
18/05/08 Evelyn and Derek 35, 34, 33, 32
17/05/08 Michael 03, 10
17/05/08 Evelyn and Derek 85 (41)
17/05/08 Dave H 27, 28, 31
17/05/08 Kathy 27, 26
16/05/08 Sarah and Jon 60,61
15/05/08 Karen and Colin 41
14/05/05 Gary 85
13/05/08 James 66
13/05/08 Karen, Colin and Moira 27
12/05/08 James 81,82
11/05/08 Karen, Jo etc 21
10/05/08 Evelyn and Derek 75
10/05/08 karen 49,11,29,30
10/05/08 Michael 28, 31
09/05/08 Sarah 91
08/05/08 Gary 51
08/05/08 Sarah and Jon 89
05/05/08 Gary 30
05/05/08 James 67
05/05/08 Michael 92
03/05/08 Gary and Hannah 14
03/05/08 Evelyn and Derek 59
29/04/08 Karen 80, 50
28/04/08 Peter 28
26/04/08 Sarah 54, 53, 55
26/04/08 Dave, Gary and Dave Sullivan 59
26/04/08 Evelyn and Derek 54, 55, 56, 42 (38)
25/04/08 karen 58
24/04/08 Sarah 40, 41, 42
24/04/08 Karen 68,31,28,86
20/04/08 Peter 56
19/04/08 Peter 74
14/04/08 Sarah 93
14/04/08 Evelyn and Derek 89
12/04/08 Sarah and Ewan 82
12/04/08 Dave H 98, 99 (51)
12/04/08 Evelyn and Derek 80, 84
06/04/08 Kathy 65
11/04/08 Sarah 77, 78
10/04/08 Gary 79, 82 (31)
09/04/08 Evelyn and Derek 90
07/04/08 Evelyn and Derek 70 (30)
05/04/08 Evelyn and Derek 49, 52
05/04/08 Michael 55
04/04/08 Sarah and Jon 98, 99
03/04/08 Michael 68
01/04/08 Evelyn and Derek 66
31/03/08 Evelyn and Derek 86
30/03/08 Michael 83, 84
29/03/08 Michael 79, 80, 81, 82
29/03/08 Gary and Hannah 11
29/03/08 Dave H 25, 26
27/ 03/08 Peter 68
27/03/08 Gary 68, 69
24/03/08 Dave H 87
23/03/08 Dave and Kathy 69, 68
22/03/08 Dave, Gary, Mark and Helen 67, 64, 63, 65
22/03/08 Evelyn and Derek 78, 77, 79, 83 (25)
22/03/08 Michael 53, 54
22/03/08 Peter 36
22/03/08 Dave and Kathy 39
21/03/08 Dave, Kathy and Ben 40
20/03/08 Dave and Gary 37, 57
18/03/08 Ben and Clare 71, 72, 73
15/03/08 Sarah 28, 31
15/03/08 Evelyn, Derek and Michael 23, 24, 22
14/03/08 Karen 46,35,79
11/03/08 Karen and Colin 42
09/03/08 Michael 94, 95, 96, 97
06/03/08 Gary, Peter, Warren, Sam 95, 96
05/03/08 Karen, Colin, Jo and Malcolm 75,76
03/03/08 Sarah, Jon and Ewan 100
03/03/08 Karen, Jo and Malcolm 40
02/03/08 Peter 78
02/03/08 Michael 77, 78, 88
02/03/08 Dave and Kathy 91
02/03/08 Dave and Gary 35, 34, 33, 32
01/03/08 Michael 69
01/03/08 Kathy and Dave 75, 76, 96, 97
01/03/08 Evelyn and Derek 95, 96 (18)
01/03/08 Karen, Kirsty etc 43
29/02/08 Gary 81
29/02/08 Sarah 88, 87
29/02/08 Dave H 86
29/02/08 Jo, Malcolm and Karen 81
28/02/08 Karen 32
28/02/08 Dave H 58
28/02/08 Peter 53, 54 (11)
27/02/08 Dave H 85
27/02/08 Gary 40
25/02/08 James 70
24/02/08 Sarah 65
23/02/08 Sarah 97
24/02/08 Dave and Kathy 61
24/02/08 Dave and Gary 43, 44
24/02/08 Michael 85, 86
23/02/08 Evelyn and Derek 97 (16)
23/02/08 Hannah and Gary 77 (11)
23/02/08 Dave H 51, 48
23/02/08 Evelyn and Derek 14
23/02/08 Michael 98
23/02/08 Peter 59
22/02/08 Sarah and Jon 79, 81
21/02/08 Dave, Gary and Warren 54, 53
18/02/08 Gary 80
17/02/08 Dave H 80
16/02/08 Dave + Kathy 23,22
17/02/08 Michael 99,100
16/02/08 Sarah and Jon 25, 26, 27
16/02/08 Karen + Kirsty 15
16/02/08 Peter 6,7,8
16/02/08 Michael 75, 76
16/02/08 Evelyn and Derek 73, 74 (14pts)
15/02/08 Karen, Kirsty 56
15/02/08 Karen 23, 60, 53
15/02/08 Gary 75
15/02/08 Sarah 69
14/02/08 Gary 44, 45
10/02/08 Sue & Star 88
10/02/08 Dan 19
10/02/08 Michael 72, 73
10/02/08 Dave and Kathy 94, 95
09/02/08 Michael 74
09/02/08 Dave and Kathy 55, 56, 42, 50
09/02/08 Evelyn and Derek 71, 72
09/02/08 Peter 28, 31
08/02/08 Dave H 93
08/02/08 Sarah 68, 70
07/02/08 Gary 55
07/02/08 peter 79
07/02/08 Dave H 89
05/02/08 Gary 91
06/02/08 Ben, Jane & Clare 80, 85
06/02/08 Dave H 84
05/02/08 Clare, Ben & Jane 42, 50
04/02/08 Sarah 76
04/02/08 Dave H 83
03/02/08 Gary 41
03/02/08 Evelyn and Derek 76, 92, 91
03/02/08 Dave 78, Dave+Kathy 77
02/02/08 Sarah 56, 94
02/02/08 Evelyn and Derek 93, 82, 81
02/02/08 Dave + Kathy 79
31/01/08 Peter 81
27/01/08 Warren 87
27/01/08 Evelyn and Derek 94
26/01/08 Evelyn and Derek 100
24/01/08 Warren & Sam 88
24/01/08 Gary and Peter 90
21/01/08 Sarah 95, 96
20/01/08 Gary 88
20/01/08 Sarah 90
20/01/08 - Evelyn and Derek 98, 99
20/01/08 - 00:00:01 Peter & Sara 70
19/01/08 Dave and Kathy 81

[1] NN 90471 84210 Carn an Fhidleir

Click for Map
07/09/08 Gary
Did this one and CP 2 & 10. Cycled past Geldie lodge and along the great single track until it started heading down hill the wrong way. Then I ran around the 2 peaks - bit boggy. With my new GPS I can give some stats : 27.6 miles, max speed 20mph -I don't believe it :-( moving average 7.1mph, overall average 5.8 mph, 1224m climbing. Still getting to grips with it but it was useful for relocating my bike hidden in the heather.

21/07/08 Dave and Kathy
Dropped 300m from An Scarsoch, then climbed it again to this hill. Great views again, and a lovely grassy run down. K thinks she might never again be seen running on a Munro, so here's a picture. Biked back over all the drains and fords, and got back in a total of 5.45. Got a bit sunburned, in complete contrast to yesterday.





21/06/08 Evelyn and Derek
Took about 1:20 to cycle in to Gelder Lodge (with a detour to point 10). The track climbs gently with the river but is never difficult. At Gelder, some tea-breakers ‘persuaded’ us to leave our bikes. Actually the fine single-track from here on is cycleable but whether it is any faster than a gentle jog is debateable.
At NN9255 8567 the track marked on the map doesn’t end but continues northwards but you now want to leave the path and head up onto the shoulder of the hill and then on to the top. We fell in with a solitary walker and kept each other company on the way up.
We spotted this fine fellow but have no idea whether he is common or rare.
After the heather gets shorter and then dies away, the going is much easier.

After the top you head SSE to the minor top (906) and then descend ESE into the col. There's a fairly obvious path to follow but we both found the section of traversing hard on the ankles.

[2] NN 93352 83690 An Sgarsoch

Click for Map

21/07/08 Dave and Kathy
Followed D+E from Chest of Dee along the track to Geldie Lodge, and we saw an adder as well along the way. From the ruin we biked on to the end of the single track - as they say, it is rideable, but how much faster it is depends on how good you are at riding over drains. Not much in any case. Left the bikes before the last descent and headed straight up the hill. No path, but the going was good after the first bit of heather. Fantastic views from the top, very clear, we could see all the Cairngorms and probably out to Ben Nevis. Went on to P1.













21/06/08 Evelyn and Derek
Heading down into the col between 1 and 2 was hard on the morale – having just climbed Carn an Fhidleir we were losing most of the height and An Sgorsach seemed like a big climb.
At this point we had picked up another three walkers to add to our original one. We’d had a longer break at the top but caught them on the way down and we all started the climb together – all looking for the best route. There’s no obvious path to start with but we, luckily, did find a faint path which eased our ascent and allowed us to claim victory. In the end we all decided the climb hadn't been so bad.
At the top we had another break while walker one had lunch and the threesome took off for home. After restarting we followed their route down which is where some more route choice comes in. They headed directly back to Gelder down the Allt Coire an t-Seilich (and we followed) but this is all cross country and it may have been faster to take a line back to the single-track since it would be runable after that.
Anyway we made it back to Gelder and got changed for the cycle out. It’s downhill so it’s a case of big-ring and crank it – but it is stony and with the wind now veering to SSE it wasn’t so fast as we expected on the way in. Back at the car in just under 6 hours.

[3] NN 94347 95855 Loch nan Stuirteag

Click for Map

22/12/08 Clare and Ben

We peered into the gloom to find this point as the mist was closing in and daylight was scarce. The iceaxes were useful as we traversed snowy patches.

From here a long run back to the bikes left on the

track to White Bridge. 8hours 10 mins and used

up all the available daylight hours.

25/07/08 Evelyn and Derek

There's a clear case here for compulsory doping tests on Challengers - 20 minutes to get from Carn Toul? It took us 20 minutes just to get down over the bouldery descent from Carn Toul itself. The was no sign of a track or 'best line' over to Stuirteag and Dave is right about the traverse, you spend a lot of time as a clockwise haggis, trying to maintain grip on the same edge of you feet. It probably took us the best part of an hour to get over here.

Onwards - but to where?

Dave is also right about this being remote and we suffered on the route out Glen Geusachan. We were very tired by now and it must have taken two hours to cover the 6km descent. As we approached the foot of the glen it became clear that we were beaten - point 9 was going to have to be dropped.

We were very disappointed but there was just nothing left in the tank and we decide to walk out via White Bridge.

On the plus side we did manage to re-take point 10 and get a better picture.

In the end we were out for twelve hours, covering 36km and 2,000m climb.

I think we can count this week as having got back into the Challenge.

07/06/08 Dave and Gary
The top of Cairn Toul is very bouldery (poor Pip!) but it gets much better and it only took 20mins or so to get here. We took a fairly direct route but the traverse near the lochan was hard on the ankles and would have been very wet in any normal year. Better to stay low and have a bit of a climb up at the end. This is about as remote as you can get in the Cairngorms, but it's a nice spot in this kind of weather for anyone who bothers. Here in about 5.45 from the car. Now down Glen Geusachan and on to point 9.

Michael 17/05/08

Biked in from Linn of Dee and climbed a couple of munros ( Beinn Bhrotain and Monadh Mor )before dropping down to reach point 3. Came out along Glen Geusachen/Dee. A very remote location.

[4] NN 95947 97855 Lochan Uaine (W)

28/12/08 Ben, Clare and Andy Tivendale

Very pleased Andy could accompany us with his winter hill experience as Ben and I are very much novices. Set off from Linn of Dee at 8.10am and left bikes at Derry Lodge. Passing the Corrour Bothy in sunshine by 9.30 but soon slowed as we crossed the Dee and reached rock and snow. After leaving the Lochan did not fancy the descent so went up to Cairn Toul and then down by the path to much upgraded (now has a loo!) Corrour bothy. Back to Linn of Dee by 3.30pm. Another long day but our last available so great to make it to 100!

Click for Map

25/07/08 Evelyn and Derek

They make getting off Macdui sound so easy don't they - "steep but mostly grassy" -

indeed? The descent off Macdui was hard work, picking your way around boulders

or trying for the 'grassy' bits and finding they were boggy. Lost a lot of time getting

down into the Lairig. All the time your next climb up is staring you in the face.

I wasn't fancying the climb up to Loch Uaine (W), not being very good on heights and this looking sheer to me - but in the end it was actually a relief after the descent from Macdui and the crossing of the Lairig. We followed Dave's advice and walked all the way to the bothy before starting the ascent. You can just pick out a faint grassy line for the middle ascent and then its a scramble over the boulders on the upper section.

The reward is a lovely lochan in a moonscape.

On to 5

07/06/08 Dave and Gary
Went down the first burn to the north of Macdui, which is steep but mostly grassy. Crossed the Lairig Ghru path then headed up the Garbh Choire. Turned left just before the bothy and went up the right hand side of the waterfall. The left looked too slabby. Steep, but not a problem. There was a party of about 10 walkers on their way up a bit further west. Can't imagine where they had come from and they were so slow we didn't get the chance to ask them. Took the picture from our next leg up to Cairn Toul.

[5] NN 96362 97250 Cairn Toul

Click for Map

25/07/08 Evelyn and Derek

"Keep following the route" said the little voice in my head.

On to 3

07/06/08 Dave and Gary
Came up the stony but easy ridge from the lochan. In case there are any dogs reading the blog, don't try this. It's horrible for unprotected paws. The ridge up to Angel's Peak looked fun by the way, for anyone who likes scrambling. Got here about 4.15 after setting off. Gary is looking happy indicating this is our 5th point of the day. I'm a bit more serious because I know where we are going. Off to the distant lochan in the left of the picture.

[6] NN 98903 98980 Ben Macdui

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29/11/08 Clare and Ben

Ben spotted a weather window and we went for it. Left home at 7.30am to make the most of what little daylight there is. Approaching Linn of Dee there was cloud but we quickly left this behind in the valleys. Bike to Derry Lodge then took the path to Luibeg and on up the ridge to Macdui. Patches of snow but just the right consistency. Grip but not falling through. On to point 7.

29/07/08 Dave H.
No, I haven't been up here again, but since I've got a new toy I thought I would put the Heroes Route on the blog so that anyone else who wants to (and I know there are some) can have a go. Click on the map for a bigger version. The profile shows how steep it feels, rather than how steep it actually is.





25/07/08 Evelyn and Derek
Still doing reasonably well against schedule though we had given up running by now. Pretty blustery up top as you can see.
Also very busy with about a dozen overseas visitors variously sheltering and taking photos. They were all well kitted up against the wind and must have wondered what was going on as two scantily clad runners (?) appeared by the main path, snapped a photo and headed off into the wilderness. I think I would have wondered too if I hadn't had Dave's map to reassure me that it had been done before.
On to the Lairig and 4.



05/07/08 Michael

Headed here from Lochan Uaine in about 45 mins. Overall time from Derry Lodge about 3hours.

Because of the good weather decided to bag the munro Beinn Mheadoin so headed NE to Lochan Etchachan and directly up to the summit; returned to bike at Derry Lodge via Glen Derry - tired and hungry! Picture of Ben Macdui and Beinn Mheadoin





























07/06/08 Dave and Gary
Once we had climbed out from Lochan Uaine it was an easy run to the top, and we got a bit ahead of our "point per hour" schedule. It was rather crowded up here, and a nice man took our picture. As he pointed out he couldn't have run away with our camera, although a bit later on the run he might have managed it. The other picture shows where we are going next - straight down into the Lairig, then straight up the other side.

Peter 16/02/08

from the loch i headed west up the corrie to regain the sron riach. the lower part was a steep scree slope (wonderfull!) with a crag higher up offering some fairly easy (though slightly exposed) scrambling. i headed more or less directly up the centre of the crag, a steep section near the top leads directly onto the ridge and so allowed me to avoid the rather iffy looking cornice. once on the ridge it was a straightforward run in the sun up to the summit and second point of the day. nice at the top with clear blue skies and not a breath of wind, the rocks were warm so sat and sunbathed while having a bite to eat, summers here?

[7] NO 00253 98040 Lochan Uaine (E)

Click for Map


29/11/08 Clare and Ben


From Point 6 took a wide arc above Loch Etchachan and then in to the head of the glen. Picked our way through the snow patches and dropped a bit lower than we wanted so had a climb up to the point - but well worth it! Very pretty place. On to point 8. Still can't believe our luck with the weather. Not a breath of wind and too warm for hats/gloves.







25/07/08 Evelyn and Derek


Dave had given me a copy of his route and we were sticking to it (all this is new territory for us).


Lovely spot but a bit of a cold breeze kept us moving.


Still on schedule at about a point per 1:15 but the little trotting we did on the way over here from Carn Crom would be the last we would do today.





05/07/08 Michael

Arrived here from Carn Crom in just under the hour. Chose a nice sheltered spot and had a bite to eat in the lovely sunshine. The route to here is as D&G described - steep climb up to the lochan! Took the direct route up to the summit join the main route to Ben Macdui. No picture as I was using a borrowed camera and mistakenly selected video instead of photo.

07/06/08 Dave and Gary
From Carn Crom traversed along the west side of Derry Cairngorm (a bit rocky but not bad) then when we were opposite the lochan went straight down and up. Steep climb but this is a lovely spot. The water must be somewhat warmer than when Peter was here, but there was still snow floating in it. We didn't swim, although Pip the dog did. Had lunch (we had already been out for 2 hours) then picked the most plausible route up out of the corrie. There was still snow in the gullies so we went more or less directly up to the summit of Sron Riach. We tried to take some pictures to make this look really dramatic, but they didn't work because actually it wasn't bad at all. Steep but not difficult. On to MacDui.



Peter 16/02/08
Ran up here from the linn of dee. a cold morning and the track to derry lodge was solid but with clear blue skies it soon warmed up. headed up to the first flatish area on the stron then traversed across to the loch. not the best choice of routes at this time of year, steep heather with line after line of hard, icy snow meaning much axe work had to be done (cant really kick steps with running shoes!). would probably be better to carry on up the hill then drop down to the loch later on. nice spot at the loch though, very quiet compaired to the crowds on the hill. loch isnt very green at the moment, more a of a white id say...

[8] NO 02353 95410 Carn Crom

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29/11/08 Clare and Ben

From 7 dropped into the glen then a short climb and contoured round Derry Cairngorm then passed over a saddle and onto the path which leads close to Carn Crom. The cloud in the valleys is gradually climbing up the mountain to meet us now. This picture

is looking east. The path down to Derry Lodge was quite icy as

we soon descended into the mist and fine snow. Back at the van in 6 hours 10mins. A great day out.

25/07/08 Evelyn and Derek
Hats off to the real 'Heroes of the Cairngorms'. We decided to take a day off work and try to follow Dave and Gary's big tour. Of course we didn't expect to be able to match their time but in the event we were beaten into submission by the route itself.

Off to a good start with a run in from Linn of Dee and a climb up a fine path to Carn Crom. We are only about 15 minutes behind D+G's schedule here and feeling quite confident.
On to 7.



05/07/08 Michael


Cycled in from Linn Of Dee and made my way to Carn Crom. In the distance you can make out Lochan Uaine (pt 7). Took about 45 minutes from Derry Lodge. Follwed D&G route to pt7.

07/06/08 Dave and Gary
The weather forecast was good, and Gary wanted a long training run for the Lairig Ghru race, so we went for a tour round the Cairngorms. Started from Linn of Dee, up the road to Derry Lodge then up the good built path to Carn Crom. This was pretty much the last time we saw a path. Gary is happily pointing the way because he's got no idea how far we will end up going. On to point 7.





Peter 16/02/08

Third and final point of the day. from the top of ben macdui i followed the line of the cliffs around then up derry cairngorm. i had forgoton how stoney the ridge was and after getting up here the feet had taken a battering! decided to walk for a bit and with the views on offer, why not? its a nice gentle ridge walk down to carn crom, and a good view from the top. from there headed down to the lodge then back home for a cuppa from the challange mug!

[9] NO 00713 91440 Sgor Mor

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01/11/08 Evelyn and Derek

Still smarting from not being able to claim this point on our 'Heroes' day, we weren't looking forward to having to make a special trip just for the apparent long slog in and out to Sgor Mor. But high pressure is in charge, its a dry, windless day so we just get on with it. Park at Linn of Dee and cycle in to Chest of Dee (our 3rd visit to point 10). We dragged the bikes a little further remembering that the track improves but our memory does us a dis-service - the track is useless for cycling at least as far as the point where you have to leave them anyway. Into our running shoes and off up the hill. There's lots of snow from the week's showers and the higher we get the prettier it becomes. Snow is quite deep in places making it a tough climb but strangely it all adds to the ambience and we find that far from finding this a boring point, we're really starting to enjoy it. As we get up to the top we get some fantastic views, especially of Macdui, up into the Lairig and around to the Devil's Point - what a glorious day.

07/06/08 Dave and Gary
Fortunately, and very surprisingly there is a path down Glen Geusachan, once you get down the steep bit from Loch nan Stuirteag. It's not great, but it's very much better than nothing. It's on the right of the burn if you're looking for it in bad weather. I think it goes all the way down the west side of the Dee to the white bridge, but we left it about 1km south of the confluence of the Dee and the Geusachan. Crossed the river and headed up here. It isn't far, and it's not a big climb, and the heather is mostly not too deep, but we were really very tired by this stage. Got to the top after about 6 hours 40. It's a great viewpoint, you can see almost all of our route, but I'd be surprised if it gets more than a handful of visitors - there were certainly no paths to be seen. We took a straight line route from here to Linn of Dee, but the going was awful and it took 45 mins. It didn't help that we were both a long way past running through heather and bog. Got back to the car in 7.25, having done 7 points and seen the best of the Cairngorms. A fantastic run, but a very, very long one. According to Memory map it is 36km, with 2258m of climbing, but more to the point there are very few paths and an awful lot of stones.

[10] NO 01423 88590 Chest of Dee

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25/07/08 Evelyn and Derek (again)

On our long walk out from the 'heroes' route we re-take 10. Yes, Dave we did get here before, we just took the picture too early. Anyway here's another one for the record.

21/07/08 Dave and Kathy
This rather lovely spot is about 500m up the Dee from the White Bridge and is like a mini Linn of Dee. It would be a great place for a swim but we were at the start of a big day out. Biked in from the Linn. Judging by the photo, D+E never actually got here...









21/06/08 Evelyn and Derek

Taking advantage of the longest day, we are on our way to the westernmost edge of the Challenge, heading for 1 and 2, we take in this easy point as an aperitif.

17/05/08 Michael

Passed this point on route to Point 3- easy bike ride from Linn of Dee.

[11] NO 03564 86710 Carn Liath

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13/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

Last leg of our trio from Altanour and Carn Bhac.

Got some good running coming over from Carn Bhac, although the track was pretty peaty in some areas. Not to be outdone by Alan, we posed for our own action shot.

Leaving Carn Liath we headed pretty much straight down to the landrover track - helped by a recent heather-burn which made it a lot easier. It seems a long way back out but good running on the track.


06/07/08 Dave and Alan Sealy
Came from Carn Bhac, over Geal Charn. You could make a fantastic circuit of these two hills from Inverey, because the running is so good once you get up high. We spoiled things a bit by doing Altanour Lodge and An Socach as well, meaning we were just a little tired by the time we got to Carn Liath (about 3.30 from the car, rather less than an hour from Carn Bhac). Alan was still running well in the not-at-all-posed picture. Great views of the Cairngorms now the cloud had lifted. Went on along the ridge to the first col then cut down to the big track that goes back to Inverey. The descent was much easier than expected - there's a nice grassy ride. Back to the car in 4.10. An excellent run.

07/05/08 Karen, Colin and Malcolm

Parked at Inverey and crossed the bridge before heading up the track (it's easier than crossing the river !) At the top of the track a nice path leads to the summit. We headed back across the tops - easy going - right back to Inverey.

29/03/08 Gary and Hannah

Hannah, I and our good friend Linda decked up in hill walking gear and headed up the valley from Inverey. Our first obstacle was Allt Connie. The bridge has not been there for a long time and the water level was fairly high. We followed it upstream until we dared to jump it. We came across this big stag that seemed remarkably tame and wasn't afraid of Pip. We continued up the track and came upon 2 toads at it. See picture if you are not easily shocked.

At about 600m the track was too full of snow to make easy progress so we headed up towards the summit. There were a few cairns at the top and the usual amazing views if you could see through driving winds.

For the return journey we went along the tops to Carn na moine. There is a Land Rover track that goes along here and presumably descends to Little Inveray. However we veered East and cut through the forest back to the track. Back to the car the way we came. Hannah did really well so I bought her some new socks. Took about 4.5hrs.

[12] NO 05104 83210 Carn Bhac

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13/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

After leaving Altanour Lodge we followed the landrover track up to the butts but failed to pick up the path and struck out across country. Managed to avoid the worst of the peat and eventually picked up the path as it started the main climb up to Carn Bhac.

Just after taking this photo we realised we'd lost our map - oops. Thick mist all around - luckily this was the first time this year that I'd plugged a whole route into the gps before starting out so we had a quick think about the implications of re-tracing our steps and headed off to 11 under the guidance of the US Air Force.

I'd planned a route to roughly follow the contours which was just as well since we couldn't see more that 50-75 metres most of the time. Eventually we got up onto the top at 801 and the mist cleared enough for us to see our way forward.

06/07/08 Dave and Alan Sealy
Once we had got down from An Socach and crossed the small ridge between two burns, the going got immeasurably better. Forst we had some grassy rides to run up, then we got onto the path from Altanour Lodge. This leads very easily all the way to the summit. Not too sure about the timing, but it must have been less than an hour between the two hills. We went off west over an unnamed top then up to Geal Charn on some lovely short heather and grass. The cloud was still coming and going, but eventually it disappeared and we got some great views. The picture is of Glen Tilt and Beinn a'Ghlo. Saw two walkers, the only people we saw all day. From here we headed north towards Carn Liath (p11). The going was some of the best I've had in the Cairngorms - mostly dry short heather, and no rocks. Pity I was getting tired.

05/07/08 Gary
Cycled to Altanour lodge (Peter's got a long run in) and then walked up Bein Luthan Mhor. From here walked down and then up to Carn Bhac. Lovely views. Came down the way Karen came up.

27/05/08 Karen and Colin





Cycled from Inverey to Altanour lodge and then followed the landrover track which leads to the butts on the hillside in the direction of Iutharn Mor. A nice footpath then leads up onto the long top of Carn Bhac. Back the same way. A short trip if you use bikes.

[13] NO 08214 82410 Altanour Lodge

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13/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

Another day of mist/low cloud, but spurred on by Dave's promise of 'good running up top' we decided on the 13, 12, 11 circuit. The run in to Altanour is really easy and would make a great ride out for occassional cyclists. Met a couple of 'munro-baggers' up from the borders and tried to sell them the idea of a Borders Challenge. Continued on via the landrover track until it petered out and then across some peat until we picked up a path leading to Carn Bhac.


06/07/08 Dave and Alan Sealy
Ran in up the glen from Inverey, stopping for a look at the Colonel's Bed. took about an hour. Much easier to bike of course, but we weren't coming back the same way. Low cloud, but we were hopeful of it brightening up. Nice spot for camping. Went on to An Socach (p14).









05/07/08 Gary
As below. Plan on coming back here with Hannah for a night's camping.

27/05/08 Karen and Colin

Stopped here on the way to and from Carn Bhac.

[14] NO 07989 80010 An Socach

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06/07/08 Dave and Alan Sealy
Carried on along the track from Altanour Lodge for a while (we met this track again later, it goes all the way up Carn Bhac), then waded across two streams and headed straight up the north face of An Socach. There are some grassy bits, and an intermittent path, so it isn't too bad, though it is very steep. Took about 40 mins from the Lodge. The cloud was coming and going, making for some atmospheric views. We went off slightly north of west, down an extremely steep heathery slope, heading for the confluence of two burns. On our way to Carn Bhac (p12).

21/05/08 Karen and Colin

Followed the same route as below - it would have been nice to have had bikes! Very cold on top (and windy) Had to resort to my windproof trousers.

05/03/08 Gary and Hannah
We parked at the same place and followed the Baddock Burn too. However we continued further than Derek and Evelyn and followed the LR track until it ran out. We then headed up to the top. We had it windy too but a nice dry sunny day. We came back along the ridge and down the path D & E came up. Took us 5h 15min in all.

23/02/08 Evelyn and Derek
Wind, what wind? What's the point of doing a Munro if it isn't windy?
Since it wasn't too windy at home (and we usually get it if anywhere does) and it was mild, I decided to go for one of the long-drive points and ignore the weather.
Parked on the A93 near the Bridge over Cluanie Water \(NO13868316). Cross Bridge then head SSE by Baddoch Burn to crossing of Allt Coire Fhearnseag (NO12228106). Ascend WSW to 938 point on map and then along ridge to the summit. The path is more or less obvious all the way except for peaty bits and some sections in the boulders but its always clear where to head for. Saw three white hares (or the same one three times) and still some snow for them to hide on.
Very windy on the ridge, almost blown over several times but still managed a fine run along the ridge (would be a superb run in nice weather). Poles came in handy today. Surprised a couple of munro-baggers who arrived at the top just before us - proved handy for photo-taking. Return by same route. Took just under two hours to get up and about one hour fifteen to get back with the benefit of a tail wind.
Coffee and cake in Braemar.

[15] NO 09184 91250 Creag Bhalg

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09/08/08 Evelyn and Derek

Continuing to follow D&K's route from 16. Ev felt the urge to stop and take a photo back up the Quoich. This has to be one of our favourite glens - an easy walk or cycle, lots of Scot's pines and usually pretty sheltered from the worst of the weather.

On to 15. Struggled a bit on the initial climb out of Quoich. We were both having chain problems and couldn't run our granny rings so we had to push up to where it eased off a bit before resuming our saddles for a nice ride over the top. At the deer fence there is a vehicle track to the summit but its a fair climb on a bike and, mechanically, we were scuppered anyway, so we climbed the last section on foot. Even on a dull day the views are excellent.

Super ride back to the road into Quoich - thank heavens for disc brakes.

20/07/08 Dave and Kathy
Biked back down the Quoich from p16 then took the path up through the woods just after the Clais Fhearnaig path. This is a bit wet and soft but possible to ride all the way, with some effort. At the top we left the bikes and walked the short distance to the summit. The weather was interesting. Lots of very heavy showers blowing in from the Cairngorms, with short spells of sunshine in between. This is a good viewpoint - you can see up the Quoich, Lui and Luibeg, Ey and up and down the Dee. We were cold and wet after the fast ride back to our car at the Mar Lodge bridge.

16.02.08 Karen, Kirsty etc

Beautiful day - a family walk over half term weekend. We parked behind Mar Lodge and followed the landrover track which heads towards the mast. Then cut straight up to summit. Returned by heading west to a nice footpath which goes past some lovely old pines and back to car.

[16] NO 06964 96330 Dubh Gleann

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09/08/08 Evelyn and Derek

With the weather forecast expecting heavy rain from 11:00 to 14:00, clearing later - we set out late morning well equipped for wet weather. Took car all the way around to the Quoich to minimise time out in the rain. In then end, we managed to drive through the rain and it was dry by the time we started off for point 16.

At the 079955 corner we continued biking along the single-track. It was quite tricky on the way up towards the point but made for a nice bike back out. We gave up when it got too bouldery and set off on foot - but to where? We'd forgotten what the actual point was so we just headed for the river.

20/07/08 Dave and Kathy
Biked in from the bridge to Mar Lodge (plenty of room for parking by the old lodge). Went round to the Quoich then followed the track over the ford and up to the right hand bend at 079955. From here it is an easy walk to the point. Plenty of deer tracks to follow. There are lots of big old trees here, but no young ones at all. It would be a nice spot in warm weather, but today was not warm at all. Cold, very windy with lots of heavy showers. Sheltered behind a tree to have some coffee then set off back towards p15.

[17] NJ 09275 00640 Beinn a Bhuird N top

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11/10/08 Dave H
Started at the bridge to Mar Lodge, biked up the Quoich, over the ford then just straight up the track to the summit. This is a big climb. It's nearly all rideable, though there are a couple of steep bits early on, and I got blown off by the wind a few times near the top. Took 1.45 to the top from the car. The best ride back would undoubtedly be the same route, but I had the Cleric's Stone to visit, so I went east from the summit, round the north side of the small hill at 108010, then down to the col between Beinn a' Bhuird and Ben Avon. This is a great place, right on the edge of the enormous Garbh Coire, but it isn't necessarily somewhere you want to be on a mountain bike. The descent is mostly ok, but I walked the last steep bit. Probably it is rideable, but it is so loose I would have brought half the mountain down with me. As an alternative there is a rock slab (think Air's Rock at Laggan times 20) which again might be rideable, but what happens when you get to the bottom at 50mph I'm not sure. Went on from the col down the glen to the Cleric's Stone.

06/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

Kept going north'ish after 18 (much as Karen did I expect) and then headed up the hill at the first split of the Glas allt Mohr. It is a long way but good going, mostly over grass and not too much wet underfoot. Very windy and low cloud so much of our navigation by gps. The co-ordinates for the point are about 70 metres off from the cairn and the mist was so bad we nearly didn't spot it.

To come back we chose a shorter route directly back. headed to where the Allt Dearg starts falling at NJ 105 002 and then followed it down. There were enough footprints to tell us that others had come up this way. It is shorter but far looser (and rougher further down) than the back route. Lower down there was an ocassional path and we were soon back at our bikes.

30/06/08 Karen

Carried on to this top after point 18. It's quite a long way! Followed the edge of the corries round to the South top and then back down the Slugain.

[18] NO 11405 99230 Clach a Cleirich

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11/10/08 Dave H

Carried on down from the col at the top of the Glas Allt Mor. There is a path, but it isn't great. Boggy in parts, with awkward rocks and gullies. From the Stone the path improves, but the drains start to get tedious. I've ridden this path 3 times, and got a puncture twice, including today. I had intended going down the Slugain, but when I got near it I saw a new path on the other side of the Quoich, so I took that instead, mostly just to see where it went. It starts at 116959 (this bit is marked on the OS map) and is very boggy to begin with, but after crossing the burn it goes down the north side to join the landrover track at the ford at 092952. It takes a nice route through the woods, and is an interesting alternative to the stony Slugain track, but the surface isn't great (though it is all rideable). Some of it has been surfaced with sand, amazingly, so I suggest you use it before it all gets washed away in the winter. Got back to the car after 4 hours.

06/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

Never been up here before so pleasantly surprised that it is mostly bikeable to just below point 18. Past the ruin, there's been a new track laid which is great though some of the sheughs are a bit tricky. Pity the funding didn't run to a bridge over the burn below 18 as Ev slipped on a slimy rock and got fairly wet - still the wind helped dry her out. Left our bikes below the burn and walked up to 18.

Not knowing the area we decided to keep going north'ish from 18 heading for 17

30/06/08 Karen

Headed up the Slugain from Invercauld and then onto the north top of Beinn a Bhuird

[19] NO 14065 97750 Creag an Dail Mhor

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06/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

We missed the track to 19 on the way up to 18/17 which is probably just as well since its best to hit 18/17 as fresh as possible. The start of the track is pretty indistinct and we dropped the bikes and started on foot. After about 100 metres the track improved a lot and was good biking single-track. We started to wonder if we'd made a mistake as we contemplated the 2.3km ahead on foot. However the good track only lasts for about 500 metres. Although we saw bike tracks after that, its at least 60:40 in favour of the foot-slogger.

Back at the bikes we were looking forward to the fast downhill back to Keiloch when I produced the trump card - "I think we can get 21 on the way back"

Excellent downhill followed.

16/07/08 Dave H
Followed Dan's route I think, at least to begin with. Started at Keiloch and ran up the track towards Culardoch, then down the Bealach Dearg to the Gairn. It's a slog up the hill, but the descent is very nice, on what was once a well built path. I think it might have been the old military road, but someone might know better. Took an hour to the bottom. Instead of going on to the bridge I turned left and stayed on the south side of the river. There are deer tracks to follow but the going isn't very good and it might have been better to do the extra distance to get onto the good path on the north side. This is very big country - Ben Avon looks enormous from here, and although the Gairn is small, its valley isn't. Took another 30 mins to get to the point. From here I left the path and headed south, traversing to the col between the two Glasails. From up here I could see that there is a landrover track not marked on the map that goes almost all the way up the glen to the west of this ridge - biking up here would probably be the quickest way to the point. I crossed the Glas Allt Beag, disturbing a huge herd of deer, then cut up to the very good track that heads down to Alltdourie. Got back to the car in 2 hours 30. A long run for just one point, but a good one.

10/2/08 Dan
Ticked this one on Sunday in a seventeen mile circuit from Keiloch (over past Culardoch, round to the Fairy Glen). Misty day but still and warm. Passed near two more points - should've made the effort, but didn't.

[20] NO 12725 93870 Carn na Drochaide

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02/11/08 Evelyn and Derek
If we thought yesterday was a fine day, it was nothing compared to today. A crisp, chill day, no wind and beautiful blue skies. What a day for our final point.
We cycled in from Invercauld towards the Glen Quoich parking and cut off at No 141 919 where a clear landrover track heads off up the hill. Its cycleable for about 400 metres until you reach a small group of trees and its worth taking the bikes up if only to hide them out of the way of the main track - and it provides a nice bike back down afterwards.
The snow was still holding up well considering it was now a few days old and with the sun beating on our backs we set off. The view just got better and better as we climbed. The track winds its way up towards the left of the obvious boulder which sits on the skyline. The route disappears now (well certainly when there is snow) but its a clear run to Carn na Drochaide, keeping to the left of the gorge at Clais nan Cat.
With this year’s weather, its usually been a case of reach the point and turn-round iummediately but today we had to chance to stop and take in the views and, since its our 100th point, it was worth a little celebration drink.
This hill, although not the highest in the area, has a reputation of providing a better-than-average view and, on a day like today, I dare anyone to argue. From the top we could see up into the Lairig, back towards the Slugain and Beinn a Bhuird and south to Lochnagar - all looking wonderful in their mantles of snow.
Back by the same route but whereas we’d avoided the deep drifts on the way up, we used them as ski-runs on the way back – could have done with the mini skis we’d seen in Braemar yesterday.
Pick up our bikes for the ride back to the car, musing over having completed the Challenge - in all we've covered 500 miles and ascended over 36,000 feet .............and then, there were none.






06/07/08 Kathy and friend





Cycled up the Slugain from the Monument then left the bikes at the path junction and walked straight up the hill (70 mins up and down). Great views but quite hard on the legs after our other two points today!





















22/05/08 Dave and Gary
Came up from the monument in about 50 mins. Unrelenting hill, but not too heathery. Went north to the track by the bridge and followed it up until it flattened out, then went straight up over the false summit. Good views of Ben Avon, Beinn a Bhuird and the Cairngorms. Still snow in the corries. Took a direct route back to the car (at Braemar Castle) because we didn't need to visit the monument again. Got chased by a herd of cattle after we'd waded the river. Only took 30mins back down.

[21] NO 15795 92880 Monument

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06/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

The icing on a windy, wet and cold day - but a rewarding one. After 18/17/19, an easy one to finish.

Nice view of all the camper vans down at the Braemar Games

06/07/08 Kathy and friend

Cycled here after Meall Gorm (44). Note fancy new bike!

22/05/08 Dave and Gary
This point might be easy to get to from the Keiloch-Quoich track, but it is much more fun from the Braemar Castle car park. And quicker too. We ran in more or less a straight line from the car in only 7 minutes. There was admittedly a rather deep and wet obstacle in the way. It was a warm and sunny evening, and the view from the monument was very pleasant. Went on to point 20.

Karen etc 11/05/08

This is a nice place for a picnic! It is easily accessible from the landrover track between the Keiloch and the Quoich.

[22] NO 15695 79200 Sron na Gaoithe

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15/03/08 Evelyn, Derek, Michael



Arrived at the last point of the day from Tolmount via the munro of Cairn of Claise. After a celebrity drink of ginger wine and photo we desended down the ridge to car. Photos of D&E on route between Tolmount and Cairn of Claise and at point 22 with Carn an Tuirc in background.

Thawed out with coffee and cake in Braemar.

16/02/08 Dave + Kathy
Came on here from p23 over Cairn of Claise. On the way down the ridge there are some small blocks of quartz which have been put there to mark the path (probably). They are also being used by eagles - there were large pellets all round which must have been from eagles, they were too big for anything else.

[23] NO 17435 80515 Carn an Tuirc

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15/03/08 Evelyn, Derek and Michael
For those who don't know - Evelyn and Michael work for the same company and, when work allows, share thoughts on points achieved and planned. On Friday, Ev mentioned that we might be doing these points and found out that they were also on Michael's 'possibles' list for the weekend. Seemed reasonable therfore to combine resources and have a group outing. Big bonus for us since Michael has a lot of experience of these hills/routes and this would make the route planning a lot easier.
Like Dave/Kathy, we also missed the path but there was a lot of snow around anyway so it was more a case of following the footprints of earlier walkers. Tough climb, especially in the slippery conditions. There is a false cairn as you reach the top but its not very far to the proper one so take heart.
Still quite a reasonable covering of snow making for beautiful views - which I can't show you since something went wrong with the camera (same story for 24 but Michael took ones on the way to 22 so hopefully there will be something to show)

News-flash ... realised we were trying to take video rather than photo - have managed to upload something - apologies for quality.

16/02/08 Dave + Kathy
On our way south for the weekend, but couldn't miss a day like this so we went by Glen Shee and nipped up here and on to point 22. Started at the same place as Karen and Colin, walked up the burn then missed the path, but it's easy whichever way you go. Steep though. Fantastic view from the top - looked over to the Cairngorms and thought what a great day it would have been for Ben Macdui - which was where Peter was at the same time. Got close enough to a Ptarmigan to take a decent photo. The quickest way from here to point 22 would probably be a straight line, but on a day like this it was great to walk around the plateau over Cairn of Claise. Met lots of people, it was almost crowded. Took 3 hours to walk round, No doubt it could be run in 1.
























21/1/08 Karen and Colin

First point on skis! (maybe the only one if we don't get any more snow). Left the car on the A93 by the new footbridge and skinned up the main burn, past the remains of the ski tow and on to the top. Very cold and windy on the top. Took the photo at the old tow on the way down as fingers were too cold at the top!

[24] NO 21076 80020 Tolmount

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15/03/08 Evelyn, Derek and Michael
(No photo - see sob story on 23 - or Michael's photos on 22)
In the summer there's probably a defined path from 23 but in the snow we were able to follow the footsteps of the earlybird walkers. Its a super run between 23 and 24 made all the more pleasant by chatting away to our companion. Snow conditions kept changing from wind-blown crust to soft/wet making for varied running but never a chore given the wonderful scenery. We don't do much winter hill-work (or didn't before the Challenge) so this was a real highlight for us.
Got a big kick out of seeing one of our last year's points - "Loch Kandar" - from above. Really felt that we were moving on from seeing the landscape as disconnected routes and starting to join-the-dots.
Follow the ridge around via Cairn of Claise to 22 (and hopefully some photos)

Another poor photo converted from video - but hey, proof is proof

[25] NO 17966 88700 Creag nan Leachda

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27/09/08 Evelyn and Derek
Bit of a blunder on the photos today - yes I took them but lost the ones for 25 and 27 when transferring to the PC - 26 is ok though. Its a shame since this hill has to have one of the best views of the Invercauld area and beyond - would be worth coming back on a really nice summer's day (as if). Followed Sarah's route, managing to find the path and managing to cling on to it for its full length. Also took Sarah's route down to the BBQ hut.

19/05/08 Karen and Jo

Parked at the Keiloch and headed over the old bridge and up the track towards the barbeque hut. We couldn't find a path so crossed the deer fence at the highest point on the track and straight up the hill. Long trousers would be useful - scratchy heather and ticks! We carried on south and down to the hut before heading to point 26.



29/03/08 Dave H
Tried to follow Sarah's route up here, but the path off the main track was lost in the snow so I had to wade up through deep heather and wet snow. Too windy to run at the top. Got to the top in about the same time as Sarah, but I suspect with a great deal more effort. Great views of mountains going in and out of cloud. Didn't fancy the direct route east down to the bbq hut in the snow, so went a bit south first. This didn't really help - lots of soft snow banks hiding rocks, and steep heather. Took 20mins to get down to the hut, then headed on to 26.

16/02/08 Sarah and Jon (separately)

It was such a beautiful morning that we decided to head up the valley and do a big leg of the Challenge Relay. Jon set off from home first, followed an hour or so later by Ewan and myself. We parked at Keiloch and while Jon was up in the hills Ewan and I had a pleasant walk, followed by a picnic next to the Dee - not bad for February. Once Jon returned (after a 2:10 run) he and Ewan headed off for the tea shop while I set off to follow Jon's route (did I lose out somewhere?). I crossed the Dee at the Auld Bridge and followed the track round Sron a Bhruic, to pick up the wee path shown on the 1:25,000. It's a bit overgrown with heather at the bottom, but it does exist and is worth following. I lost the path for a bit where it crossed some burnt bits, but picked it up further on up the hill. This gave a straight forward climb to the summit in around 50 mins. From here I dropped off to the E towards Glen Beg heading for [26]. The crags shown on the map aren't too bad, although the descent is steep. The photo shows the view from the top towards Beinn a Bhuird.

[26] NO 19936 88975 Feindalacher-Glenbeg path

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27/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

We've had some pretty dodgy days trying to find paths, but today seemed to be a good one. We picked up the path without any bother and managed to follow it all the way across. At this stage however we realised that we had got very used to most points being at the top of the nearest hill and hadn't actually read the description of this point before setting out. However we needn't have worried - its clearly "Tree 117"

We decided to follow the paths from here towards 27. Carry on along the Feindalacher path, left downhill when meeting the estate track, turn eastwards onto the path at NO 201 891, cross the two bridges (Feindalacher and Allt Lochan nan Eun) and on to the deer gate at No212 893.

19/05/08 Karen and Jo

Followed the same route as Dave after doing point 25. Lovely woods but the path is not very nice if you're wearing shorts -the heather is between knee and thigh deep!

29/03/08 Dave H
This path used to be really nice, but has deteriorated a lot in the last few years. It's really quite hard to follow now, especially when it is buried in snow. Assuming you spot the start about 100m before the gate on the track from the barbecue hut, go through the gate and head slightly left to the higher ground. After that, there is usually some evidence of where the path is (or used to be), but there's a lot of heather and bog that never used to be here. It is worth the effort though, because the old trees are so impressive. I've seen capercaillie and black grouse here as well, but not today. I did see a lot of rainbows though. Got to the end feeling distinctly battered, having fallen down countless holes in the snow, so abandoned my plan to go on to 27. Got back to the car in just under 2 hours - very slow but still very hard work.

16/02/08 Sarah and Jon (separately)

This was the second stage of our big relay. We dropped to the summer house in Glen Beg and then picked up the path towards Feindalacher. After crossing the deer fence I lost the path for a while. You need to keep to the left in the big trees, rather than heading across the bog, but it was difficult to tell the difference between tracks and streams in places. I picked the path up again further round and lower down the hill, after wading through some heavy heathery undergrowth, albeit through magic old pine forest. From the end of the path I crossed the Carn an t'Saigart Mor track to head towards [27].

[27] NO 22376 88880 Cnapan Nathraichan

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27/09/08 Evelyn and Derek
From 26 we ran to the deer gate at NO 212 893, followed the path for a little while and then its just up/heather/rocks. No picture due to camera/PC problems but it wasn't pretty in any case since the predicted weather front had arrived by now and we weren't hanging around.
Got all the way back to the path - only it was the wrong path so had a bit of a detour. Eventually got our act together, back through the deer fence and down the main track to Invercauld.

17/05/08 Dave and Kathy
In case anyone is wondering, this is the "little hill of snakes", according to my Gaelic glossary. Well it isn't particularly little, and there definitely weren't any snakes. We ran in from Invercauld, past the Green Bridge, along the track that runs along the NW side of the hill until we got through the deer fence, then just went straight up. A bit heathery but not at all bad. Took an hour to get to the top. From here K headed back via point 26 across country she describes as "evil". Well, it took here 75 mins to get back to the car and her legs were raw with scratches from the heather, but she was otherwise unhurt. Quite mild evil if you ask me. I went on to Lochnagar and met her at the Loch Muick carpark.



13/05/08 Karen, Colin and Moira


We parked at the white bridge and followed a lovely path until we were forced to abandon it and head up through the heather (more scratches added to my legs!) Found a better route down past the Prince's stone.



16/02/08 Sarah and Jon (separately)


When I left the car I had decided I was going to give this hill a miss for today, but it was such a fantastic day and I had no reason to rush home, so I rapidly changed my mind. Fuelled by some jelly babies, from the end of the path past [26] I waded through icy water to cross the Feindallacher Burn and also the next one further E, then headed straight up the hill towards the summit of Cnapan Nathhraichan. It was a bit heavy going near the bottom of the hill, but improved further up to give a relatively easy ascent. The photo is from the top looking towards Lochnagar. On the return I headed NW towards the wee path that contours round the lower slopes of the hill, before dropping to cross the burns (by bridges this time). Jon managed to get back to the car park in 32 minutes from here, and I made it in 36 minutes with a big effort. The whole run (25,26,27) took me 2:50 compared with Jon's 2:10, but I did take rather a lot of photos along the way.

[28] NO 24376 86150 Lochnagar Summit

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05/10/08 Evelyn and Derek

Lots of people to chat to on the way up and we did our best to uphold the honour of the club by passing all of them.

On our previous trip up here about five years ago, we didn't actually go to the summit due to bad weather so today was a first. Even with yesterday's work in our legs the climb didn't seem nearly as tough as last time so the Challenge must be doing something for us.

Wind dropped a bit by the top but still snow lying and still chilly.

Great run back down, even managed to pass some of those we'd seen descending when we were still coming up. Mind you they probably thought we were mad in our running shoes and tights - maybe we are.

03/08/08 Gary

Linda and I hill walked up here from the Glas waterfall. It was a really warm day with no wind - we seemed to get up here quite quickly beating the hordes of other folk. In this picture you can see The Stuic in the background where Dave and I ran up after bagging the challenge point loch.

17/5/08 Dave H
Came on here from Cnapan Nathraichean. This could be a contender for the best way up Lochnagar. Only took 45 mins from Cnapan, so 1.45 in total but it could be done faster. There is no real loss in height between the two hills though it is a bit heathery. You don't get to see the NE corrie at all, but there is a good view of the cliffs around Loch nan Eun (p29 which I didn't have time to get) and an unusual view of the summit itself. And needless to say there were no people and hardly any sign that anyone ever comes this way. Went down by the Glas Allt and met Kathy at the carpark.

10/05/08 Michael

Walked up with son and his girl friend.


28/04/08
had a run up here on sunday which was a beautiful summery day then returned today (monday) to find a good inch of fresh snow on the top and more falling! came up by the ladder then down the spout on the skis, its still in fantastic condition and after a couple of runs higher up i was able to ski right down to the loch- at the end of april... global warming??? from there it was a long walk out to the car park, but worth it. found a wee fountain by the loch, photos dont do it justice, but it looked pretty cool.



















21/04/08 Karen and Moira
Amazing winter conditions for the end of April. We parked at the car park and took the usual route up to the top returning by Glass Allt. Very cold and quite windy on the top.




15/03/08 Sarah




First time up Lochnagar in over a year for me. There was a fair bit of snow around but the going was pretty good - it had filled in a lot of the holes between rocks (especially up the Ladder) and was firm enough that you didn't sink in up to your knees. Made decent time, despite not feeling great and reached the top in 78 mins. The descent down towards the Glas Allt was magic - who needs skis when you've got a pair of ice-bugs!





09/02/08 Peter
i have been up here 5 weekends out of the last 6 but have not bothered with the 5min walk over to the summit so set off today to do just that. i was going to carry on around to broad cairn but it was a bit windy up there today (forcast said 80mph) and my eyes were watering so headed (blindly) down the glas allt instead. good fast running on soft wet snow on they way down but jog along the loch seemed longer than normal with cold,wet feet! broad cairn will just have to wait for another day. i was thinking about heading up through the gap in the cliffs above the dubh loch, has anyone done this before?

[29] NO 23026 85595 Loch nan Eun

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20/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

Anything to be different, I looked around for an alternative route and found one suggesting there was a walk in along the Allt Lochan nan Eun and there is, of sorts. We came in over the suspension bridge and headed east to the deer-fence gate at NO 205 903 and followed the path south through the forest (singletrack and mostly obvious). At NO 209 893 we took the westerly branch down to the plank bridge over the burn. The path is a bit hit and miss as it finds it's way out of the forest but the river keeps you right. Thereafter we continued to follow the river and the path which, although it disappears in the wetter areas and heather burns is still a fairly consistent route. Its true however that its not an easy route for running up but running back isn't so bad. Took us a couple of hours to get up though and even allowing for D&G's fitness their path is clearly the quickest.

The smudge on the top left of the photo isn't - its mist over Lochnagar - fine day down on the Braemar road, chilly and misty up here.

30/07/08 Dave and Gary
Like Karen we started at the suspension bridge, but unless they have a key I can't see how they got their bikes over it. We had to climb round the locked gate. This saves a mile or so over parking at Keiloch. Took the same route up the Feindallacher Burn until the track ends at the hut then took a fairly direct line to the loch. It isn't great going, though I can't see how it could be made any better. We couldn't find a footpath across the bog, though there is one higher up which we took on the way down. Took 70 mins in total to the loch. From here the best way back by far is to climb the Stuic. This is an easy scramble with some good views. The run back along the edge of the coire is very good going, and even the bog at the bottom is quite easy when going downhill. Got sore feet on the track though. Took 2.20 altogether.

08/05/08 Karen, Jo and malcolm

We parked at the suspension bridge and cycled up past the Garbh Allt falls to the ponyman's hut at the end of the landrover track. We then took a more or less direct line up to the corrie. Lots of heather, bog and holes! It would be a more pleasant walk to go up the footpath which leads up the ridge from the hut towards the Stuic and head over to the lochan from higher up. Impressive blocks of ice in the water!

[30] NO 24026 81580 Broad Cairn

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02/11/08 Sarah

What a day. I'm not sure what I should have been doing, but it was too good an opportunity to miss to get out in the hills. Jon was on first running shift, so I didn't get going until almost 1pm. Headed along the loch and up the landrover track. The snow line was fairly low, but there had been enough people up ahead of me to compress the snow into a decent track. Got to the top in around 85 minutes including photo stops. Returned via the diagonal track down to Loch Muick. Again the snow was well compressed and gave a lovely decent. The views were fantastic, particularly with the low afternoon light. Back to the car in around 2:25.

05/10/08 Evelyn and Derek
We'd left ourselves a group of four points in Glen Muick (30 and the Lochnagar circuit of 36,28 and 31) but had been trying to work out a route which avoided coming off Lochnagar by the waterfall and the long slog back along the loch. So far we hadn't come up with anything, but opporchancity beckons.
Evelyn remembered her run with Ben up towards Broad Cairn several seasons ago and reckoned it was bikeable up on the rim. Well according to the map she was right but we'd have to manhaul the bikes up the landrover track.
An easy cycle in to the bridge and then the work starts with the steep climb and loose and wet underfoot (didn't I mention it was wet, windy and getting cold?). However we made it and the bikes certainly made it easier to close the gap on Broad Cairn. We got as far as Sandy's (?) hut and walked the rest. By now we were up above the snowy remnants of Friday's showers and as is usual this year, it was too cold to hang around.


Back to the bikes and head back to the top of the descent. We stopped to take a photo down to Glas Allt Shiel and decided that here was our chance to take bag the waterfall point and leave ourselves a much easier Lochnagar route for later. So back down the track - some cycling, some not and all along the loch to the footpath across the head of the loch. Final decision that - yes we could cope - and on to 31.






18/07/08 Dave and Helen
Ran from the Loch Muick car park, having almost come to terms with the £3 parking charge. Only £1.50 per person I suppose. The weather forecast was terrible, but it didn't turn out too bad, with no rain and only mist right at the top. Went up the Corrie Chash path and back down the landrover track. Took 2.15 altogether. Helen was running well considering she did the West Highland Way race only 4 weeks ago. I managed to get far enough ahead to take a photo. Took a picture on the way down of the nearest thing to the summit that wasn't in the cloud.


9/05/08 Karen, Colin, Jo and Moira


What a fantastic day after all the cold spring days we had. We parked at the main car park and headed right to the end of the loch taking the path up to the plateau from there. We came back by the landrover track. Great views.

[31] NO 27096 83010 Glas allt waterfall

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04/10/08 Evelyn and Derek

Scooted in on our bikes after a quick diversion on our way back from Broad Cairn. We'd remembered this as a much bigger climb (descended from Lochangar this way about five years ago) but it wasn't too bad.

Weather had improved a bit by now and we were treated to a double rainbow as we looked back on the ascent. Bikes made the trip back out much more pleasant.

03/08/08 Gary

Hill walked up here from Loch Muick on way to Lochnagar.

17/05/08 Dave H
Came down this way from Lochnagar. The path has been built virtually to the summit now, which makes it very easy to run down. It's still a horrid run back along the loch side though. Total run of 2.45 from Invercauld, and my legs were getting a bit sore.

10/05/08 Michael

Passed waterfall on way down.

21/04/08 Karen and Moira


Passed waterfall on way down. Still snow.






15/03/08 Sarah



Returned from Lochnagar via the Glas Allt, for a round trip of 2:25. I was on a high after the descent through the snow fields to here and even the run back along Loch Muick didn't feel too long.

[32] NO 28627 79410 Dog Hillock

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18/05/08 Evelyn and Derek

Still following in the footsteps of the dynamic duo. We kept well left of Ferrowie, hoping to minimise any further climbing and eventually got around to the Capel Mounth track from where Dog Hillock stands out intimidatingly across, down and up. Still we made it and had a good run back to the car. We lost a lot of time at 34 backtracking to try to find my jacket but reckon our net time was about 3:45

02/03/08 Dave and Gary
Final point of our Big Adventure. Took a direct route from p33, to the left of Ferrowie. Lots of bog but not too bad going, at least compared to our route off - we headed NE to join the Capel Mounth track at about 298803, but it was terrible running - all bog and heather. Would probably have been quicker just to go directly to the track. From the hill there is a great view down Glen Clova. Got back to the car in 2 hours 58 mins. A tough run, with hardly any good going and lots of "strength training", but a great wilderness feel to it, and of course 4 points.





28.02.08 Karen. Ran from car park at Loch Muick and after about 1km on the E side of the loch took the landrover track uphill on the left. Followed this until at closest point to the hill and headed straight up (very wet!) Decided to head straight back across peat bogs to the top of the streak of lightning - more direct but probably not any faster. Back along lochside to car.

[33] NO 31247 78055 Lair of Aldararie

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18/05/08 Evelyn and Derek

This tiny stone is probably the Challenge point. You can see it from ... oh, metres away, so its really easy to navigate to. Luckily there were some larger outcrops a few hundred metres back which helped navigation. From 34 its a case of holding your height across the peat and then forcing a climb as you get much closer. The recent dry weather has helped and most of the peat was runnable.

02/03/08 Dave and Gary
Onwards to point 3 with a mixture of good running on hard snow in sunshine, and bogs in a snow storm. We ran right over the top and on for about 500m because the top is so indistinct.

[34] NO 32497 81405 Black Hill of Mark

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27/09/08 Sarah

Headed in a straight line for the top from Allt Darrarie. The going was better than I expected, picking up a few deer tracks etc. No sightings of them, but their smell was lingering in one peat wallow. Found a small but perfectly formed cairn on the top. Not feeling particularly heroic, I headed due W from here to pick up the Capel road and returned to the Spittal of Glen Muick in around 90 minutes.

18/05/08 Evelyn and Derek

From Allt Darrarie we continued to follow the stream eastwards until it meets another heading south - this provides good running for quite a while but then it reverts to heather. By then you can see your goal however. At the end of the stream (NO330823) we stopped for a breather and packed away our windproofs - mine not so securely as it happens. So if anyone else is up on this route, keep an eye open for a grey/mauve pertex, branded 'Last Ten' - (sorely missed).

02/03/08 Dave and Gary
Stage 2 of our Big Run. From the Alt Darrarie it starts to get tougher. Lots of heather and bog. Fortunately there were some patches of hard snow which were the only decent running. It's very bleak up here. Good views over to Lochnagar but it looks a long way off. Gary demonstrated his remarkable ability to hold a bottle upside down in front of him by mind control alone.

[35] NO 32312 83360 Allt Darrarie junction

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27/09/08 Sarah

Left Jon and Ewan going for a walk to Loch Muick while I headed out to bag a couple of points. Not feeling very lively up the track, but just about warmed up by the time I got here.

18/05/08 Evelyn and Derek

Seeking to emulate our 'heroes' Dave and Gary, we decided to give it a go (Jane, Clare and Ben have also just done it which helped encourage us).

Got up here remarkably easily - which is always worrying. No time to dawdle. On to 34

13/03/08 Karen, Colin and Malcolm

A nice short trip up a valley we would never normally visit.

02/03/08 Dave and Gary
This was point 1 of our Big Wilderness Adventure. Easy start up the very pleasant burn on a good path from the Loch Muick car park. This path doesn't really go anywhere, so it's not much used, but it's well worth a run up. You might get chased by wild dogs though. Went on to p34.

[36] NO 27987 86540 Conachcraig SW summit

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05/10/08 Evelyn and Derek

Yesterday's outing had left us with the much more manageable prospect of Conachcraig and Lochnagar and back out - and with the weather promising sun, this looked like our best opportunity to finish the Glen Muick points.

Well you all know the route so nothing much to say except that the Conachcraig path starts at a large boulder just beyond the Lochnagar turnoff. Fine path to the top and runable back down.

3/08/08 Gary

After descending from Lochnagar I "popped" up here. There is a path but I didn't see it until about half way up. At the top it started raining. I can't believe how bad the photo is but I only took one. Caught up with Linda to return to the car park. We paid £3.

14/07/08 Dave H
Drove up Glen Muick with the intention of starting from the car park, but was horrified to see the charge has gone up to £3!! Only had £2 in the car so changed plans and parked opposite Inchnabobart (near the start of the track to the Cairns of Cul nan Gad, there is lots of room) and started by crossing the river for the second time this year (Top Tip: the water is a great deal warmer in July than January). Ran along the track and then up the tourist path to the col, then up the path to the summit. Took 50 mins of steady work from the car. I reckon by taking this route I lost 10 mins but gained £3. Took the direct route back over Carn an Daimh. There are bits of a path but the lower part is quite heathery. Took 30 mins back so it might not be quicker than going back down the path.

04/06/08 Karen and Colin

A beautiful day with great views. We just followed the Lochnagar track up to the col and then followed a lovely footpath to the summit

18/05/08 Sarah and Jon

From Creag nan Gall (38) descended to the SW to rejoin the main track up towards Lochnagar. Continued to a point where the path started to drop slightly and then branched off to the left up the line of a stream. The going was pretty good all the way to the top, but it was getting pretty chilly and a shower of hail came through. Reached the top around 90 minutes after leaving the car. From here we were heading for Meall Gorm (37) and headed back along the ridge towards the NW before descending to the NE. Looked for the Millstone Cairn shown on the OS 1:25,000 but didn't spot it - lots of rocks, but none that looked much like either a cairn or a millstone.

22/03/08 Peter
windy windy windy

[37] NO 29917 89000 Meall Gorm (S)

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21/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

After a hard point yesterday (29) we decided on a bit of an easier route today. Headed to Lochnagar Distillery with our bikes, almost getting stopped at the bridge to allow HM to get to the kirk. Only a hundred or less tourists today, far cry from the many hundreds who came along when I was a nipper.

After humphing our bikes over the locked deer-gate its an easy ride into Meall Gorm (S), getting you to within 700 metres. 25 minutes up and down for us. Much better weather today and, back at the bikes we stretched out on a big rock for a trail bar and rest - something we've had little time or weather for on most of this year's outings. Scoot of a ride back down and off to hit the Ballater tearooms.

18/05/08 Sarah and Jon

Approached from Conachraig (36) by a generally smooth and easy descent. We felt pretty cold after we left Conachraig but had warmed up again by the time we started to climb. From the Loch Muick - Balmoral track it was only about 8 minutes to the top. Not even worthy of a cairn at the summit, although there is a boundary stone at the fence corner. From here returned to our car at Easter Balmoral in a total time of just over 3 hours - a good long run which didn't feel too destructive.


20/03/08 Dave and Gary
So lets get this right. It's dark. It's half a degree above freezing, snowing and blowing a gale. And we start by wading across a river.

Bring it on.

Night running is so much more interesting than the daytime variety. We parked at the start of the track to Cul nan Gad (p57) but went in the opposite direction. This means crossing the Muick, which was thigh deep and cold, but not particularly difficult. Then 2km along the track, and up the hill. Nothing too tough, but with visibility around 5m in the snow not too easy either. The moon was full, but it didn't make a lot of difference. Back to the car in 40mins having crossed the river again, which seemed distinctly warmer this time.

[38] NO 26857 91585 Creag nan Gall

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11/08/08 Evelyn and Derek

Parked at Easter Balmoral and took the main track around Albert's Cairn before heading south out of the woods. Ran on the main track until we plucked up the energy to head up into the heather. Took a more direct route down, heading for the nearest bit of track - slightly boggy at the bottom but still very runnable and then a nice run back down on the track.

12/07/08 Dave and Kathy
Ran in from Easter Balmoral. Went up to Albert's Cairn from the Balmoral end of the track, then joined S+J's route. Took 45 mins to the top. Came back along the west side of the hill then cut down to the track. 30 mins back. Good view of Lochnagar on a grey day.



18/05/08 Sarah and Jon

Managed to leave Ewan plus water pistols at the orienteering at Balnagowan and headed out for a long run together. Parked at Easter Balmoral and headed out up the track towards Lochnagar. Just before the edge of the forest we turned left up the track that comes down off Prince Albert's Cairn and climbed up through the woods. Before the path turned to the N, we branched off to the S and descended a short way to the edge of the forest, before climbing up heathery slopes towards the ridge. The going was mostly good, although the heather is long in places - doing its best to scratch at my sensitive knees after Friday's high speed encounter with a gravelly path. Reached the top in just over 40 mins.

[39] NO 23911 92875 Princess Royal’s Cairn

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30/07/08 Evelyn and Derek

Another straight-from-work evening run. Queenie's on her hols so the place is awash with security - well two bobbies, a bobby Freelander and one of those 'special' Range Rovers. No hassle getting in though. We ran about two hundred metres past the quarry before climbing but the best thing is probably to climb along the western edge of the quarry and up from there (that's the way we returned). We went a little far and had to backtrack along the top through thick trees and a mass of black flies. From our ascent the cairn was well hidden and we didn't see it until we were really close. Flies made hanging around intolerable so just a snap photo.

22/03/08 Dave and Kathy
There's just a touch of Tolkien about this cairn hidden away in the woods, without a path as far as we could tell. See if you can spot the orc in the picture. We came in the obvious way from Easter Balmoral (where else could we have gone today?), crossed the bridge at 246934 (turn left immediately after the deer fence) then ran up the track to the top just after the quarry, then made our way through the woods. The cairn looks as if a good push would knock it over, or at least knock that silly ball off the top, but I don't think many vandals come this way. We took a much more direct line east back, which was rather better. It is possible to avoid all the thicker parts of the woods though there is a steepish gully that leads directly up to the cairn. Took just over an hour, would have been much quicker with no snow, but it all looked very pretty.

[40] NO 32987 91160 Coyles of Muick

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14/08/08 Evelyn and Derek
Had the bikes into the shop today to cure the chain suck and decided to take them out here for a test run. Parked just beyond Mill and up the first track. The bikes were fine and made for a quicker trip in. At one point however I grabbed the brakes to find no front brake - the braking surface on one of the disc pads had disintegrated and all I had left was the backing plate i.e no front brake. We kept going until we saw a good clear approach to the Coyles, left the bikes and hiked up in our cycling shoes. The track once you leave the trees certainly helped the final approach. Brilliant views from up here (our first time as with most of these points). Had to take it a bit easy on the return but luckily no pileups.

Braking news (sic) - I've now found it was a seized caliper causing the problem, so the other one was doing all the work and that pad is now completely dead - back to the shop to split the caliper.

24/04/08 Sarah


Parked on the S Deeside road at the bridge over the Girnock. Headed initially along the track on the E side of the river, before climbing up through the trees towards the ridge. Reached the col between Creag Phiobaidh and Tom an Lagain, then crossed towards the edge of the forest to pick up the path. Continued on this all the way to the Coyles, with a minor diversion to the top of Meall Dubh. Pleasant running conditions and the hills to myself, apart from a few deer. From here onwards to 41.



21/03/08 Dave, Kathy and Ben
Disregarded the wind, snow and a weather forecast telling us to "be prepared" and came for an admittedly relatively sheltered run up here. Drove a mile or so along the track from Mill of Sterin towards Loch Muick then went up on the tracks almost as far as Craig of Loinmuie, then through the woods. Only really windy at the top, where it was quite difficult to stand. Nice run back in the snow. Took just under an hour.





















3/03/08 Karen, Malcolm and Jo
Snowed during the night and it was a cold and windy day so decided to do a hill with a good track all the way. From Mill of Sterin the best track goes up right once you are past the farm and higher up don't turn left until you are well past the summit (unless you enjoy climbing over dead trees!) This track passes Charles and Camilla's picnic hut hidden in the trees. A good path goes left to the summit when you come out from the trees.



27/02/08 Gary


Having missed Tuesday night running I popped out after work and bagged this one. I parked near the Mill of Sterin and, ignoring the myriad of forest tracks, headed straight up Craig of Loinmuie. Just as I was nearing the top my training partner disappeared chasing deer. I continued and headed towards the Coyles of Muick. I passed the bird watching hut and remembered passing it during an early night run last year. There is a path to follow to the Coyles. There seem to be 2 summits so went to them both. The photos are from the one with the Cairn on it. I was just about to head back to the car and hope dog was there when Pip appeared looking tired and panicky. I wonder if she has learnt not to chase after deer?























view to Craig of Loinmuie view to Loch Muick view to Ballater







Pip tracks me down!

[41] NO 30287 93340 Sgor an h-Iolaire

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13/08/08 Evelyn and Derek
Ouch, ouch, ouch - here be nettles.
On paper this looked like a nice evening run but it felt a lot harder on the ground. Parked at Littlemill and ran in the track to the junction beyond Camlet (NO 309 923). Turned back on the old track up to the cottage - very overgrown, deep ruts making for hard running. We reached the deer fence around the cottage and followed this north to the first corner and then started the climb. From the top it seemed like there was a nice green area around the cottage leading back towards the the shorter track coming in from NO 314 931 so we headed back down that way. Once inside the deer fence however we realised the greenery was hiding lots of nettle patches, bad enough for Ev in longs but I just had my racing shorts -so tippy-toes for a couple of hundred metres. made it through with just a few stings and relished the long run back.

04/07/08 Dave and Kathy
Started from the west, parked opposite the track at 287947, just down the road from the phone box. The map shows a path going up through the woods, but it doesn't exist in the plantation. Go round to the left of the trees and climb the fence and you'll get to a reasonably easy climb through grass and heather until you reach the marked path higher up. From there it is lovely run to the top. There are lots of big old pine trees to photograph. Took a bit under an hour up and down.

15/05/08 Karen and Colin

A lovely day - headed up Glen Girnock but made the mistake of heading to top before Camlet. It looked easy on the map but lots of heather and no paths. Much easier coming down to the cottage from the top.

24/04/08 Sarah

From 40 I descended W round the slopes of Meall Dubh to reach the Girnock Burn at the end of the track. Ran up to the junction with the main track then headed directly up the hill towards the ridge of Sgor an h-Iolaire. Heavy going up through the heather, but otherwise straight forward. The weather had clagged in a bit by the time I reached the first of the cairns on the ridge. There's no path until you reach the first cairn after which there's a lovely little path along the ridge until you reach the last cairn, then nothing thereafter - very odd. Descended to the E just south of Creag nam Ban. It's pretty rough going - there are occasional bits of deer track, but in between there's long heather, juniper and lots of big boulders. Once at the bottom I crossed the bog to the path and on to the sting in the tail....

03/02/08 Gary

I ran up the track to Camlet from the S. Deeside road. The snow was slushy but the drifts were deep in places. I must have been concentrating on the terrain as I completely missed both right turns to Camlet and ended up miles up the valley. So turned back and ran up to Camlet - the track is not well used and hardly worth using.

Watch out at the top as their are two cairns and this Challenge point is the further away one. Camera is still lost so did a quick artististic sketch.

[42] NO 31297 95470 Creag Ghiubhais

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26/04/08 Evelyn and Derek

Either we were severely knackered after our efforts earlier in the day or you lot are on drugs. We followed Karen's route and nearly pegged out by the time we reached the top. By then we'd been out a long time with little water and no food so we didn't linger too long. Lots of ant-hills around, not tall but wide (widest was about 5ft) . I took a couple of tumbles on the way down but only minor damage to little finger and pride. What we wouldn't have given for a nice, boring, tullich mast-type track up here.





24/04/08 Sarah


Last point of the day. Approaching from 41, I made a direct ascent from the path on the W side of the hill. The climb was steep but much easier than expected and only about 15 minutes to the top from the path. The summit of the hill is magic and I had to stop for a few minutes to soak up the atmosphere. From the top I descended down the E ridge back towards the Girnock Burn. This seemed rougher going than my ascent route and it took me at least as long as the climb. The full circuit of 40,41 and 42 was around 2:45 (including stops). Got home to find my first tick of the year.



11/03/08 Karen and Colin - what a nice little hill. it's amazing what's on your doorstep! We parked at the quarry and followed the landrover track until clear of the trees and then headed straight up to the top.

09/02/08 Dave and Kathy
Carried on our walking tour up small hills. Took the same route as below. I'd never been up here before. There is a dwarf forest at the top where all the trees are very old, but smaller than normal. It's much easier to get up here than I expected.




5/2/08 Clare, Ben & Jane
Help! It's my first time - at blogging. Went up this hill from a forest gate on the South Deeside road about a mile west of Girnoc. The wood is suprisingly clear and runnable. Climbed in the wood to the ridge then up an indistict deer track crossing a few rocky bits but some good runnable bits also to a cairn at the top.

[43] NO 20376 91975 Meall Alvie

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28/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

Came over from 44 and picked up the main track north of Felagie. Found Dave's path and then the fainter logging tracks almost to the top.

Not sure we could have managed to run this - leave alone the rest of the duathlon.

Slippy run back down and then short sprint on our bikes back to the car. A lovely day out following our expedition yesterday.



1/03/08 Karen, Kirsty etc. Nice family trip out from the Keiloch


24/02/08 Dave and Gary
Came up here spying out possible routes for a duathlon later in the year. It's about a 30min run up and back from Keiloch, if you work hard. Took us 20mins to the top. The best route is to take the track towards Aberarder, then the path on the right after the left turn to Craig Leek but before the cottage (Felagie). This takes you quite high before petering out, then it is easy to get through the trees to the top. Nice scattered pine wood with views to Beinn a Bhuird. Went back down then took the Craig Leek path on the way to p44.

[44] NO 18476 94590 Meall Gorm (N)

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28/09/08 Evelyn and Derek
Parked at Invercauld and cycled up the Loch Builg track - a steady but easy climb considering the excellent downhill to come.
At NO 178 941 take the right fork and at the next corner continue east alongside the dyke. Ditched our bikes at the high point of the track and an easy climb through short heather.
Great views from up here - could even see Beinn a Bhuird, which is more than we could when we were actually there.
Carry on eastwards on the estate track towards 43. The downhill is super- its alternately stony and grassy but you can just let the bike run - great fun.


06/07/08 Kathy and friend



Cycled up from Invercauld and then nipped up to the top from the corner of the forest/track. My friend Laura's first time on a fancy mountain bike (Dave's) - she enjoyed the downhill! Here she is approaching the Monument (21) with Meall Gorm in the background.













24/02/08 Dave and Gary.
Gary has started his second round of the challenge already! After Meall Alvie we took the path round the south of Craig Leek. This is a lovely track, I think it was the old military road, certainly it is well built. When it bends to the right and flattens off, we went due north straight up Craig Leek (from about 185920). This is steep but perfectly manageable, and probably the quickest way up the hill. Took 30mins to the top. Then we went north, going downhill along the side of the wall until it meets the track (unmarked on the OS map) going east-west between Craig Leek and Meall Gorm. From here it is 5 or 6 mins straight up through the heather to the top, and a great view of the Cairngorms and Lochnagar. Took us about 45 mins from Keiloch. Went SE from the top, picking up the track we crossed earlier which winds down past a hut and crosses the bog (all unmarked on the OS map). It joins the Aberarder track just NE of Felagie. Not much more than an hour round trip.


14/02/08 Gary

Parked in Keiloch car park in a chilly and misty -2 degrees. Ran up the main track until a waymarked right turn. This track wasn't on my map but it seems you can do a circular walk around Craig Leekie. Instead of following this track I headed up to the summit. It was still misty at the top so the view was fine for the first 20 feet only.

[45] NO 19366 98840 Culardoch

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02/08/08 Evelyn and Derek

Came here from Loch Builg and it's certainly a reasonable route to take. As the track leaves the river, it starts to climb and is very loose under-bike and turns into a few pushes. We decided to leave the bikes (relinquishing the opportunity for a rapid downhill on the return). The track is better further on but whether it is worth the pushing?

Turned at the sharp bend mentioned by Gary. There's a track onto the hill from here and although it falters a couple of times you can get track most of the way to the top - at least until you reach the lovely short heather.

Leaving here at 11:30 we're starting to wonder about the weather - its quite misty but no serious rain yet. Back via Builg and a decision about 47.

05/07/08 Dave and Kathy
Biked in from Aberarder. Took the track via Auchtavan then at the junction went right to the highest point due east of the summit. This took a bit over an hour. Easy enough ride although the last couple of km are a bit of a slog. From here the climb is steep, but there is a path (if you are lucky), and in any case the heather is short. There is also as much cloudberry as I've seen anywhere. The run back down is very good fun, if you haven't totally trashed your legs. Returned on the track that goes SE for a couple of km then turns S and descends to Ratlich. This is a little more technical than the climb, but a good ride. Took 2.45 in total.

14/02/08 Gary

Ran here from Meall Gorm. I ran up the main track from Keiloch and then where the track turns sharp left I continued straight up to the summit. It had been cloudy and misty but once I got to 700m I broke through the cloud and came out in sunshine. All the valleys were filled with cloud and all the mountain tops around were clearly visible in the sun. I hung around the summit for 20 min appreciating the scene. I descended south to try and get a different path but it went wrong somewhere and I ended up on the track I came in on. Headed back and got to car about 3 hours after leaving.

[46] NJ 18626 02985 Loch Builg boathouse

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02/08/08 Evelyn and Derek


Forecast for today was 07:00 light rain - 10:00 sunny intervals - 13:00 heavy showers - so we reckoned that if we were on our bikes by 9:00 we had four hours or so to bag some points. My plan had been to get Loch Builg and pick up 47 (Brown Cow Hill) on the way out. As Evelyn checked the route, she asked innocently how 45 Culardoch was usually done. After checking the blog and the map we decided we could hit it from Loch Builg. Weather window was now going to be tight but we're 'almost heroes' so what's a little heavy rain.


Loch Builg is an easy bike in - good warm up since we've not been biking for a few weeks. The boathouse was at the far end of the loch and is long-disappeared - only the concrete foundations remain (just visible at the bottom of the picture). Judging by their photo, Dave and Gary never actually got here...


Misjudged the timer on the camera and couldn't quite get out of shot.
Onwards to Culardoch

14/06/08 Dave and Gary
Took it easy this weekend, after last week's epic. Not all that easy though. We tried out our proposed duathlon bike route, from Keiloch along the track to the west of Culardoch, down to the Gairn, then back over the track to the east of Culardoch. It was only an extra couple of kms to add this point on. The ride took about 2 hours 30, not at racing speed but it would be hard to do it under 2 hours. There are a couple of bits near the top of the first climb that are probably unrideable. I had thought of popping up Culardoch since we were almost there, but there was a hailstorm at the top of the track which put me off. I was still cold at the loch as you can see in the picture. There is nothing worse than hail on a bike. The ride is a good one by the way - good views of Ben Avon (with fresh snow) on the way out and Lochnagar on the way back. Mostly not too steep, but slow going with loose gravel on the way out and grass on the way back.






14/04/08 Karen, Malcolm, Sheila and Kenny






This is a great cycle in and out from the Crathie to Gairnshiel road. The boathouse doesn't exist any more but the remains of the foundations can be found by the lochside.

[47] NJ 22106 04470 Brown Cow Hill

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03/08/08 Dave H
Biked in with Kathy from the track near the summit of the Crathie-Gairnshiel road. I ran up the hill the same way as D+E while K biked on to Loch Builg. Met two rather surprised walkers at the top. I thought the going was pretty good, there is some peat but only a short section. It was a nice soft run down. Took 45 mins up and down, which was exactly the time K took to bike to the old boathouse, have lunch and come back. The view from the top is commanding but not very photogenic, the hill is too flat and extensive, but there is a good view of the Gairn on the way down. Had to race the rain on the way back just like D+E, but it stopped so we went up An Creagan (p48).

02/08/08 Evelyn and Derek

Shall we - shan't we? Its 12:00 and we've theoretically got an hour before the heavy rain starts. Well actually we're going for it regardless as we are still feeling fit and revelling in the idea of turning a two-point day into a three-pointer.

Turn off the main track at NJ 221 019 and head uphill. The vehicle track peters out as shown on the map but continues as a tractor track well up the hill to service the shooting butts. Even after the butts there is still a decent footpath provided by the sheep for a good distance. Once on top we'd hoped for some fine running but there's a lot of peat hag and its very wet.

The hill gives a commanding view and the mist did lift a little for us. We took a more direct route back to our bikes, joining the tractor track at the top.

A cracking bike back down to the car - with the first serious rain of the day starting just five minutes out.

A great day out - fine route and three points in the bag.

[48] NO 24636 99465 An Creagan

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28/07/08 Evelyn and Derek

The forecast is for a lovely evening so we go to work with all our running kit onboard and head straight for the hills after knocking off. This is a nice run and Dave is right about the settlement - there's a little swing-up storyboard just as you come off the drove road and head up the hill.

Great views from the top and a little sun to warm us up.

23/02/08 Dave H
Had intended going to point 49, but when I parked at Shenval it was too windy to open the car door, so decided that was nature's way of telling me to stay below 600m, and came here. Parked at the start of the track a bit south of the summit of the Gairn-Crathie road. It should be a very short, very easy run from here, but it was extremely exposed and difficult to make any headway. Took 33 minutes altogether, and it's only about 4km with hardly a climb. This is a very bleak area, but there are lots of shielings and ruins around, so there must have been a lot of people living here at one time. Maybe they all got blown into Ballater.

[49] NJ 29137 04370 Carn a Bhacain

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24/07/08 Dave and Kathy
Ran in from Shenval. Took it easy and still got back in under an hour. Nice run but by far the most interesting thing about it was the sky, which was amazing.

06/05/08 Karen and Malcolm

Cycled up the track from Shenvall as far as the junction and then took the right branch which heads most of the way to the top. Came back the same way.

05/04/08 Evelyn and Derek

Snow and wind forecast for today so naturally we looked around for the most exposed points to aim for (49 and 52).

Parked at Shenval and then there's a good track up the hill. The map shows it petering out and since the end was hidden in snow we then set off x-country. GPS came in very handy as it was now a white out and no sign of our target. Eventually however we struck a track which we suspect was an extension of the one on the map - anyway x-country was shorter. Target now coming into view amidst snow showers and a simple climb to the top.

A couple of short breaks in the cloud let the sun through for some nice views but mainly the scene resembled a Wainright sketch - all black and white. Two cairns here so you get two photos.

Snow soon returned and we had to follow our tracks to get back down.

[50] NO 26847 95815 Creag a Chlamhain

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04/08/08 Evelyn and Derek

Parked at the main car park and then ran to the Gairn road (as per Clare etc). Met an old farmer at the foot of the track - his advice, run up through the steading and keep going to the old stone sheep pens - from here you continue to get vehicle track all the way to the top. A slightly longer but probably less scratchy route. Nice view of Balmoral from top.

28/04/08 Karen, Colin, Jo and malcolm

Parked at the bottom of the Ardoch farm track and followed various footpaths through the woods to the top. back by the landrover track used to access the mast.

09/02/08 Dave and Kathy
Took the direct route up from the kirk in Crathie. Quite straightforward. Nice little hill. The weather was looking threatening but it never came to anything. Went on the Braemar to buy some new walking boots, since I seem to have become a walker.





5/2/08 Clare. Ben & Jane
Parked just up the road for Glen Gairn from Balmoral. There is a track up to a cottage with the largest collection of old caravans littered around the place. Everyone wants their little place at Balmoral. After the cottage head straight up through the juniper to the top and a great view. Jane has all the pictures so far and she is on 20 points today.

[51] NO 31967 98270 Carn Dearg

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23/07/08 Evelyn and Derek

Another fine evening so we make a last minute decision on the drive home to get another point.

Same route as the previous challengers - my gps got this rock as the point.

29/05/08 Karen, Colin and Ian

Followed the same route as Dave. Not sure about the top either but this on was as close to the grid ref as any.

23/02/08 Dave H
Not sure my leg is up to a long run yet, so decided to do a couple of short ones. Ran up here from the Gairn road, taking the obvious route from the north. There is room to park at the start of the track by the bridge. It's a straightforward run, although the track is steep to start with, and it was extremely windy higher up. Took 26 mins to get to the top. but the second half was more of a stagger than a run. The top is probably not the cairn, it's a bit further north, but the view is better here. It's very good in fact, although I couldn't stand still enough to take a shake-free picture. Bounded back down in about 2 minutes.

[52] NJ 33592 05860 Mona Gowan

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24/07/08 Gary
I came from the south and had a pleasant run in hot conditions. I parked where the road ends at Lary. Ran through the sheep and ascended up past Morven Lodge on a track I have cycled many times. As the track starts to descend there is a path to the right that asends up to the summit. Took about 50 min to the top and about 30 min back. I was very thirsty as I forgot my water.

02/07/08 Dave and Kathy
Biked here from the north. Started near Mains of Glencarvie and took the track to Lynemore, then up the hill. Joined D+E's track at the top of the felled plantation. They are quite right that it is rideable all the way to the top, just keep pedaling... Took 45 mins, then 15 back again. A good ride with views of Morven and the Slacks of Glencarvie that I hadn't seen before.












05/04/08 Evelyn and Derek

Although weather conditions made it slow going at (49) Carn a Bhacain it wasn't too tough so we carried on to Mona Gowan.

Parked by the house at the turn-off for Fleuchats (but don't because the owner ticked us off when we came back - hidden water pipes running alongside the road).

Took the track up past Fleuchats where it is then a bit tricky since the tracks don't resemble the map. We just carried on along the track (doubling back under the overhead wires) to NJ339088 where we met a big track (presumably the one which starts at 337102). This big track takes you all the way to the top of Mona Gowan.

The plantation alongside Meikle Charsk has been completely felled and the track is muddy here but otherwise its a good track and we think perfectly cycleable all the way to the top. Not today however as the snow was filling the track with deep drifts.

The cairn at the top is impressive - some big stones - and a bit of shelter from the wind/snow for the photo.
Turned for home and the snow really started - not the light fluffy sort but pin-sharp, blown straight into our faces by the strong wind. All we could do to keep our eyes open to follow the track and quite a way down before it let up any.

Back down in a thirty minute jog. Had aspirations of collecting 85/84 on the way home but we're knackered.

[53] NJ 36347 00825 Peter’s Hill

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29/07/08 Evelyn and Derek

What a difference from last night's sun (48) - we're lost in the mist and could be anywhere. We parked at the Pass of Ballater and ran up the track which starts in the woods just east of the Balmenach farm track. At the top I had to resort to marking waypoints on my gps to make sure we could find the way back down again. Still have no idea what Peter's Hill looks like.

26/04/08 Sarah

Ran on to here from Tullich Mast. Saw several mountain hare - still with white tails and ears - but not much else. The wind was quite strong but behind me on the way out up the hills. Returned by the track past Balmenach Farm to the Ballater Pass and todays sting in the tail...

22/03/08 Michael

Followed the previous advice and followed the unmarked track from the west side of the mast to 36463 99290 on the route from Balmenach. Progress through this section of the route was slow due to deep snow and on approaching Peter's Hill I encountered another blizzard making it difficult for route finding. Eventually stumbled across the cairn and quickly headed back at which time the sun came out. Returned to car via Balmenach farm and road. Photos of unmarked route from Mast and cairn.

21/02/08 Dave, Gary and Warren
Came on from Tullich Mast. Really very windy, but bright in the full moon. Took a surprisingly long time to get here, what with the wind and all. There is a good (bikeable) track between the mast and the track marked on the OS map from Balmenach.The picture isn't great because I couldn't hold the camera still. Did I mention the wind? 12km in all from the Pass of Ballater, and about 80mins. A good evening's training.

13/02/08 Karen and Sheila. What a glorious day! Cold and clear. Headed up Lary road from Ballater to the farm where we headed towards Morven Lodge. Took the landrover track up to the right a mile or so before the lodge and headed up to the summit. Descended by Balmenach back to Ballater.

[54] NO 37867 98440 Tullich Mast

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26/04/08 Sarah

I wasn't looking forward to this but for once the climb seemed easier than I remembered, and got to the top in a steady 22 mins. I then continued on from the mast towards Peter's Hill - 53

26/04/08 Evelyn and Derek
I almost bit off more than we could chew today. I've had a cold this week and was miserable in the office so I was looking forward to getting out this weekend - but nowhere too far from the car. Looked at the group of points around Ballater - thought they looked achievable (54, 55, 56 and 42)
Started with the mast which we know from a previous handicap. Familiar looking car parked at the bottom
Its a long slow climb but on good track - we grumbled but if only we had known what was coming later in the day.
Weather forecast had been a bit iffy but turned out fine. Lovely views and a fine run back down.



















22/03/08 Michael













Set of up the snow covered track in the sun and reached the top in about 25 minutes in a blizzard. Took a photo and set off for point 53, Peter's Hill.










22/02/08 Dave, Gary and Warren
Ran up the track on a warm but windy night with a full moon that came out of the clouds on the way back. Took 20 mins or so of fairly hard running to get here. The picture is of the moon behind the mast. Not very good but it was very windy. And dark. Went on to Peter's Hill

[55] NO 36597 96560 Craigendarroch

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02/11/08 Ewan and Sarah

While Jon was running up Lochnagar with Dave and Gary, Ewan and I decided to go and bag a point too (re-visited for me). Parked in the village and walked up the west side and then back down the east. We hunted for witches and their dens in the rocks, but they weren't coming out to play. However, they had bewitched a stick which jumped out and tripped Ewan up on the way back down. Took us around 80 minutes.

26/04/08 Sarah

I crossed the Ballater Pass on my return from 54 and 53 and headed straight up Craigendarroch. Only 15 minutes to the top through terrain. As I headed down the path from the top I spotted two fit looking folk running up towards me. I stopped for a chat with D+E, then returned direct to my car at the bottomof the Tullich mast track. Just over 100' for the circuit and a very pleasant run.

26/04/08 Evelyn and Derek

After Tullich Mast we left the car where it was, crossed the road and ran into Ballater to pick up the path up Craigendarroch. Never been up here before. The climb was fine but starting to feel the effects of the earlier climb. Near the top (while actually walking) we spot another runner coming towards us. We shuffle into a run (for show) and then see its Sarah nearing the end of a long run. Exchange a few words and run on. Some lovely views from up here.

05/04/08 Michael

Walked up with the present Mrs D. On the way down caught in snow shower. Nice walk. Cancelled planned walk to 56 and opted for lunch in Ballater instead.

09/02/08 Dave and Kathy
Carried on my walking tour of Deeside in Ballater. Haven't been up here for years, I'd forgotten how nice it is. Quite a big climb as well.














07/02/2008 Gary

Too full of the cold to go running so walked (gently?) up Craigendarroch with dog.

[56] NO 35407 96555 R Dee NE of the Knock

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22/12/2008 Michael

Easy jog to this point - my 50th! Had a bit too much wine last night.

20/04/08 Peter

headed here for a nice easy one after yesterdays race. started where the ballater 10 leaves the south deeside road and followed the track to the bridge then onto the point. from there headed over south side of the Knock, where i found some fascinating archaeology!, and then back along the road to the car.

26/04/08 Evelyn and Derek

After the climbs of 54 and 55 this looked like a nice, sensibly flat, run - which it is.

Started same as Dave and Kathy. At the small cottage with two enormous trees we went straight on and took a right turn further on (but ignore the one into the quarry). The correct turn takes you directly to the riverside. Turn right and follow the path along the riverside to Charlie's hut and then the track which takes you back to the cottage - a lovely circular route.

09/02/08 Dave and Kathy
Skiing was definitely out with the temperature above 10C so we just had to walk here. Started at the track just over the Muick bridge and took an almost circular route. The river is quite interesting around here, especially when there's so much water in it.











02/02/08 Sarah


Dug my skis out of the shed and headed up the glen until the snow looked deep enough. Parked on the S Deeside road at the end of the track S of the Knock. Skied up the track and round the hill. I didn't have a map, so was working from memory, but found some good snow for skiing and dropped down to the N side of the hill towards the Dee. Had to take my skis off to cut across through the forest a couple of times, but made my way down to cross the E/W bottom track and onto a track down to the river. Near the challenge point the track disintegrates to a small path alongside the river which wasn't very skiable but fun all the same. Passed a very posh fishing hut further on that is apparently one of Charlie's pads. Returned by a more sensible route up the main track round the Knock to my starting point. The best snow we've had for x-country for a few years. A few more cm would make it perfect. Not the easiest way to bag this point, but certainly lots of fun.



14/02/08 Karen and Kirsty



Visited this point as part of a family walk round the "seven bridges" walk. Kirsty (12) has decided to join the Challenge!

[57] NO 32267 87440 Cairns of Cul nan Gad

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22/07/08 Evelyn and Derek

After an enforced layoff of several weeks due to family wedding, trip to Englandshire etc, getting back on the horse was going to be hard so a relatively easy start made sense. The drive here takes us about twice as long as the run but we are rewarded with a fine night and some lovely views over Loch Muick and the surroundings

20/3/08 Dave and Gary
Having had our adventure going up Meall Gorm it was a bit of a come-down to do this little hill, but the snow was getting heavier which added a bit of interest. Ran up the track until it started going downhill then cut across the heather. There are no cairns up here, but there are lots of big rocks. We managed to miss the track on the way down, going NW straight down to the road. 20 mins up and back.

[58] NO 36052 87620 Creag Dearg

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05/08/08 Evelyn and Derek

Since we are missing Tuesday club training, we've chosen a slightly longer route than last night's. Followed Dave's directions - it certainly is a slog but the track makes it a bit easier.

A rare picture of me in motion.

25/04/08 Karen, Sheila and Malcolm

Cycled from Ballater to the track which leads straight up from the road. Headedalong the top and down the track which comes out less than a mile up the road - a nice circular route.

28/02/08 Dave H
Late afternoon run while the weather was still ok. Started from the Glen Muick road just after Aucholzie (344901). There's lots of room to park just over the bridge. Had a bit of excitement when the fire extinguisher in the back of the car went off, filling it with white smoke. Couldn't realy describe the run as exciting. The track marked on the map goes all the way to the top, though it does deteriorate after the bit marked on the OS map. It is worth following it all the way, even when it seems to be going in the wrong direction near the top - it is avoiding peat hags, which is a very good thing to do. It's a pretty unrelenting slog - 27.45 up and 17.58 down (not that I was counting). The track along the top from Craig Vallich is very good and perfectly bikeable. You could also run to Mount Keen from here - it's only 5km and hardly any climbing. If you find the right route between the peat hags it's quite good running.

[59] NO 40412 86760 Mounth Road W side of Mount Keen

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03/05/08 Evelyn and Derek

Inspired by the previous epic tale we decided to get our bikes out on what promised to be a dry, light wind day. However our (somewhat more sensible) plan was simply to get to the point and return via Glen Tanar.

We passed a couple of 'baggers' (hiking boots and mountain bikes) who asked if the uphill was bikeable and we were able to advise them otherwise. As we parked our bikes and changed shoes, another biker came down from Mount Keen. He'd dragged his bike most of the way up, which he admitted was hard work but had a great ride back down. You now have enough information to make your own decision.

We walk/jogged up until we got to this stone - with a letter 'B' on the north side (B for County Boundary maybe). This is the gps'd point - so, Peter, I hope you got this far.

Great run back down and a wind assisted cycle back. You don't really realise on the way in that you are going uphill but you are and on the way back its easily possible to engage your largest gears and scoot home.

26/04/08 Dave, Gary and Dave Sullivan
We were out for 5 hours 30 today (Dave S for rather longer, read on) and only got one point. And the camera battery was flat so we didn't even get a picture. But it was a great day if you like epics. Parked in Glen Tanar just about half a mile from the Tower of Ess, then biked all the way up the Tanar to the foot of Mount Keen. This took about an hour. From here it is a push up to the track with the point on. No point in even thinking about getting on the bike. The next bit is (apparently) very easy in dry weather, but it was very wet and windy so you could call it "good technical practice". Got to the point and tried to take a picture only to discover the battery was flat. No matter, it was very grey with nothing much to photograph. This track is the original route over the mounth, before Munro bagging was thought up, and is marked by a series of cairns. Some of them are some way off the line of the current path.

The descent to Glen Mark is brilliant. The surface is good and there are lots of drains that could have been built as mountain bike jumps. It takes almost no time, although you do appreciate that Mount Keen is a real mountain from the south. Then we went along the track and road to Tarfside. Here Gary and I stopped to eat, but Dave decided he should go on ahead so we didn't have to wait for him. We offered him some food, and when he refused we offered our spare map, but he just set off on his own. We haven't seen him since. I discovered I had a flat, so after mending that we set off up the Fungle. After about 3km there is a farm called Shinfur. The correct route is right up to the farm then north, but the obvious track goes off NE through a plantation. We did wonder if Dave had gone that way, but didn't want to chase him in case he had somehow found the right route, so we went on up the hill. It's a slog, but never steep enough to justify a walk. From the top the path has been rebuilt down to Birse Castle. Gary says he was doing 35mph at one point down it. I wasn't going quite that fast, but it is a very easy and quick descent with only a few drains for interest. Had another blow-out unfortunately. From the bottom of the hill the route takes a somewhat devious route round the west of the castle. This is hard work on a bike and it might be better to take the track east then up past the castle (ignoring the private signs, there's never anyone there). One last slog up the hill, then a bit of fun on the final Fungle section to the guard. Got back to the car after rather more than 5 hours. Quite tired.

I later discovered what Dave S had done. He had gone wrong at Shinfur as we thought, then found a track parallel to the Fungle that goes to the next col east. From there he had slogged through the heather to a track that goes down to Burnfoot, 2km east of the castle. He got back about 30mins after us apparently, having missed the lovely descent on the new Fungle path. Oh well, call it extra training.

Peter 23/02/08
Ran up here from glen tanar on a very windy day! not sure exactly where the point was, i just ran untill the path started to drop down the other side of the hill then turned back. had planned on mt keen but wanted to get the wind on my back before it died down (which it would). whole run took 3hrs 5min, mostly on the way up- 1hr 5min down to car again!

[60] NO 37702 92740 Craig Vallich

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12/08/08 Evelyn and Derek

Parked on the side of the road just beyond the Cemetery. Weather starting to move in - seems like we always get mist on our Tuesday night runs (our penalty for missing club training?). Followed the track all the way to the top - still misty but opened up slightly for a bit of a view. Decided to take the same route back rather than trying to loop around to Pannanich in the mist.





30/06/08 Dave H
All I can say to Jon and Sarah is "my cairn is bigger than yours!"

Ran from the start of the Glen Muick road, then after about 15mins turned due east and ran to the top through mostly short heather and grass (lots of flowers, very pretty). Got to the top in 27mins, then took a direct line NW past this enormous cairn (marked on the map) back to the track in the woods. 15 mins down.

16/05/08 Sarah and Jon

It was time for another round of the Challenge relay this morning. I dropped Jon on the S Deeside road at Tombae and took Ewan for a walk, whilst Jon ran up to the Rocking Stone and then on to Craig Vallich. We met up just outside Ballater and then it was my turn, (whilst Jon went off to do the shopping). The run up the Mount Keen track is straight forward - a long grind but no excuse for walking. Reached the top in just under 40 minutes. It was a clear morning and the views across to Lochnagar were good.

11/02/08 Karen + friends

A beautiful day. Headed from Ballater up the Mount Keen path to the top of the hill - the landrover track goes all the way to the summit. Then carried on to the top of Pannanich hill and down into ballater. makes a nice circular route.

[61] NO 40863 94240 Rocking Stone

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02/11/08 Michael

Parked at Ballaterach and followed usual route. Ran past turnoff and retraced my steps to eventually find stone.

07/08/08 Evelyn and Derek

and for our final evening point of the week, a pleasant run to the Rocking Stone - as per Karen's route. Bit chilly for August - but the heather is looking pretty



23/05/08


Karen, Colin and Jo


Parked at Ballaterach and followed the path up the ridge and then by gps over to the stone. Apparently this is not the real rocking stone which is found further up the hill (hence the reason it doesn't move!)




18/05/08
Took the fools route up past Tornacraig, on the north side of the Pollach burn. Leaving my bike at the edge of the wood and continued on foot. approaching the end of the track i was forced across the burn and up the 'Brae's o' Buggery'. Aptly named! A short run through the heather soon saw me at the stone though.


Fantastic views West up the valley. Upon arriving i was sighted by a pair of perriguin falcons which were a site to see, and hear! now onwards to 77.

16/05/08 Sarah


I continued on from Craig Vallich to the Rocking Stone. Mostly good running with grassy gaps between the heather, but a bit of nasty bog shortly before reaching the Stone (hence the grubby foot). There was a huge herd of red deer around here too. I decided to check Dave's comments about the stone, and the next thing I knew I was hurtling towards the valley bottom at high speed. I haven't quite perfected my flying skills yet, so unfortunately crash landed on the gravelly path back down to the valley. I now have a nasty hole in my knee as a result.


24/02/08 Dave and Kathy
We both did points this morning, so went for a cool down walk this afternoon. Parked at the end of the road to Ballaterach and followed the path through the farmyard and up the ridge on the east side of the Pollagach Burn. All easy going, though it was rather windy. The stone is off to the west from where the path flattens out and turns left. Despite the name it does what stones do best, ie lie unmovable in the heather. I tried to tip it down into the glen but got no movement whatsoever. It's a nice walk, with good views of Morven and the Dinnet lochs. A round trip up the track from Tombae and down the one we came up would be a great short mountain bike ride.

[62] NO 43073 90520 Black Craig

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04/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

Maybe our last evening of challenging - could we get both 62 and 63. Weather forecast had been for fine weather but we ended up setting of on our bikes from the top car-park in the rain and it got worse and worse. By the time we reached the burn crossing we were soaked through and wading thigh-deep over the burn didn't help. We pushed and rode our bikes to the top of the track and then hiked up to the point. By this time it was about 8:00pm and no chance of getting 63.

Excellent ride back down the hill though - burn even deeper now. Fast ride back along a waterlogged track to the car and a desperate dash home to some heat.

15/07/08 Dave H
Biked in from the top car park in Glen Tanar. Went up towards the foot of Mount Keen, then turned left across the burn and up the track almost to the top of the hill. The track is a bit steep and stony, but it is possible to ride all the way up (apart from the ford). Possible, but not easy. Only 5 minutes to the top of the hill from the high point. Came back down the track in the other direction, ie east and along the side of Clachan Yell. This is fun. Took an hour up and 25mins back.

[63] NO 46363 89730 Little Cock Cairn

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14/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

At last a sunny day, although it would have been more appreciated on some of the trickier navigation points we've done recently.

Cycled in from Glen Tanar hall and up the track which bears off from the 5 mile training route at NO 464 939. Two or three stiff climbs ahead but all manageable. We left our bikes at the junction which leads down to the Water of Gairney - where it seems unavoidable to get wet feet. It is knee deep in the middle and chilly, so maybe get this one done before it gets much colder.

A stiff climb up to the cairn but at least its on track.

Return by the same route, taking advantage of the downhill on the bikes.

22/03/08 Dave, Gary, Mark and Helen.
Came here in a straight line from Craigmahandle, something it's possible no-one has ever done before. Only someone on a strange challenge, or using a map with no contours would try this. Very steep and heathery down, then an extremely steep climb up from the stream, then a long slog up through snowy heather. Very cold at the top as well. Not much wonder I look a bit mad in the picture. About 2.5 hours to here. Went on due north to p65.

[64] NO 48893 90590 Craigmahandle

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26/06/08 Michael

Made my way to the old metal fencepost. Without my GPS, I hope I hit the spot!

Parked at Forest of Birse Church and headed due west, south of Birse Castle and up the north track of Burn of Auldmad and headed directly through the heather to the metal fencepost at point 64, in 53 mins. The return route was via the Hill of Duchery, The Gwaves, south of Birse Castle and back to the car in 30 mins. A lovely evening.

15/06/08 Evelyn and Derek

Left 68 (Brackenstake), heading for the north end of The Gwaves to reach the Fungle. Finally aimed for the Bothy at 514 920 to shelter from an incoming squall. Continued south to 517 913 and pick up the good 4X4 track westwards. This fizzles out eventually in a boggy area but you can see another footpath just a few hundred metres ahead and this takes you to the top. No cairn in sight so we picked this old fencepost.

22/03/08 Dave, Gary, Mark and Helen.
Went due south from Baudy Meg to the track, turned west down the hill, then had a very long climb up the Firmounth. The snow made it even harder. The top is somewhere along the fence line, amid deep heather and snow covered bog. The view down to Glen Tanar from the track is one of my favourites in Deeside, though we were a bit cold and tired to appreciate it. About 100 mins from the car to here I think. From here we went direct to p63...

[65] NO 46873 91720 Tom Ghiubhais

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17/06/08 Evelyn and Derek

Decide to bunk off from normal Tuesday training and get another couple of points to keep us on our target of 50 by the end of June. Couldn't quite break the habit of driving to Glen Tanar however. Managed to stone hop across the river so dry-shod all the way.
On to 67





06/04/08 Kathy
Got let down by a friend from Aberdeen who was going to come point bagging with me but 'phoned up with a stinking cold. Too late to find another companion so I came out here for a walk on my own in the snow. I DO recommend you cross the river at the rickety bridge but not on the bridge itself; if you don't then you have to cross two largish rivers instead of one. The paths are a bit confusing in the snow too, so if you head up from the bridge and hit the track, turn left and you're on the right one.


22/03/08 Dave, Gary, Mark and Helen.
Came straight here from Little Cockcairn. The steeper bit was quite good running, but once it flattens out it is very heathery and boggy. And snowy of course. I tried without much success to shelter from the wind behind one of the dwarf pines at the summit. We were all rather cold, tired and hungry by this stage. Followed the track down to the north - it's a bit stony at the top but gets better. I don't recommend you try to find the rickety bridge marked on the map - it's no use anyway. Instead follow the path down to the stream that flows into the main river, cross this and you'll get onto a good track that fords the river just beside the hut. You'll get wet feet, but that's going to happen anyway. We got back to the car in 3.5 hours. A very hard but good run.



24/02/08 Sarah


Parked at the top car park in Glen Tanar then headed out the traditional Tues night route. A few hundred m after you pass a wee hut look out for an old rickety bridge below you, across the stream. I suggest you don't attempt to cross this, but get your feet wet instead. A short distance across the other side you can pick up the track that runs more or less all the way to the top. I followed a fresh set of Walsh shoe prints (size 7?) that had been both up and down the hill, so I reckon I wasn't the first Challenger up here. You could make a good long loop with Little Cockcairn, but straight out and back was enough for me today.

[66] NO 46988 95080 Hill above Glen Tanar House

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05/09/08 Sarah

Slotted this into a pleasant hours run round Glen Tanar. The forest near the top is magic - still plenty of blaeberries, and the spiders webs were sparkling in the mist. Definitely lots of biology going on up here.

25/07/08 Dave H
Wanted an easy jog before the Ben Rinnes race tomorrow, so drove to the top car park in Glen Tanar and just went straight up the hill. Only took 8 mins and I wasn't even trying. I was surprised that the plantation stops near the top and there are lots of blaeberries and big old trees. Lots of ticks as well, as it turned out.







21/06/08 Michael

Went for a cycle at Glen Tanar and bagged no. 66.

01/04/08 Evelyn and Derek

Met up with the stalwarts for the first night of summer training but not feeling any speed in our legs, we decided to go point-bagging instead of intervalling.

We crossed the river at the interval start point and ran alongside the loch where the track was like an obstacle course due to large numbers of frogs. Here's a picture of two.

Ran up the hill via the track we use for hill-reps. Veer right at the first split and then spot a faint twin track leading off to the right. This carries on for a couple of hundred metres but eventually it fades out and it's heather-bashing thereafter.

There's no clear top - someone has piled a few stones together, possibly as a new cairn but the challenge point is about 100 metres further on.

[67] NO 49493 93760 Baudy Meg

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21/11/08 Jon and Sarah

A rare treat of a run with Jon this morning, and the chance for him to bag his 50th point. Still not the most exciting point, but challenging enough given the snowy conditions. Did minute hill reps up the big track E of the fairy loch.

12/07/08 Sarah

Finally managed to bag another point after almost two months. Parked at the top Glen Tanar car park and ran up here by the diagonal track through the trees. Not the most exciting point, but a pleasant run. Continued over the top to join up with the regular Tues night run in reverse.

17/06/08 Evelyn and Derek

Continuing our alternative Tuesday Glen Tanar run - after point 65 we followed our usual route up the hill and then up to the back of Baudy Meg. We got onto the east-west path and found Michael's section of short heather at NO 49442 93930 and it cerrtainly made the climb easier - especially since I was only wearing shorts.

24/05/08 Michael

Ran up here from the bridge in Aboyne, passing point 70 (Fungle Seat). Reached summit in under the hour after trudging the last part in the heather. On the descent from the hill I noted a better route through the heather; a strip of short heather connecting the summit to the track that runs east/ west to the north. I understand the name is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name, meaning ‘Hill of Hares’(Googled). The return took about 30 mins to get back to car.

22/03/08 Dave, Gary, Mark and Helen
Another day, another big snowy run. The Met Office said "Be afraid" (or was it "be aware"?) but we don't let a bit of snow stop us. Ran from the top Glen Tanar car park up the most direct track (hard in the snow but worse was to come) then across the heather to the summit. the weather was ok really, just a bit cold. I'd never been up here before. Anyone know what the name means?

[68] NO 52308 92280 Brackenstake

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15/06/08 Evelyn and Derek

Coming over from Lamahip (69) at the crossroads at NO 549 921 we headed west on the new track for a few hundred metres until it reverted to old 4X4. Still a good track however.

We were aiming to intersect the Glencat/Birse track and were able to make use of the 4X4 most of the way. At one stage we did divert since it seemed to be going too far north and we took to the heather but we eventually got to another/same track at 538 918 which intersected at 535 918 just a few metres south of our next target junction. At 53490 91840 continue west up a good track as per Michael.

Fantastic views from here. On to 64

18/04/ 08 Karen, Jo, Fiona and Malcolm

Parked at the end of the road to Newmill (just inside the gate - but this isn't the thing to dop as we got a note on our car!) Headed round carnferg and then down the track on the S. side making a detour to reach top of the hill.

03/04/08 Michael

Parked at Forest of Birse Church and headed directly north from car park to meet the Glencat track. At the summit of this track, by a cairn, turn west on LR track (53490 91840) following shooting butts up the hill, at last butt, take a heading of about 290 deg, keeping to the high ground and point 68 is about 400m in distance. Photo shows view of Glencat from 68. Thirty mins to top and 15 minutes down.

27/03/08 Peter
thursday night run up here from home. followed the fungle path to where it drops then headed stright up to the top through snow and heather. it was getting really cold and the snow had gone hard and crispy- not to good for the shins, never mind... summer is on its way! from the top i headed north-west to pick up the track to carnferg however when i got there it was filled with snow so just stuck to the heather. phoned sara from the top to tell her to get dinner on the go then headed down... then the fun began... i had just joined the track again when I met with an elderly gentleman in shirt and trousers, jacket under arms (in the dark). he had nipped out from glen tanar earlier in the day with his daughter in laws dog- which bolted, so he went to look for it. unfortunately he walked to far and got lost then when it got dark he panicked, picked a direction (the wrong one) and walked further into the hills. he was frantic about his own situation and probably more so the dogs (it was his daughter-in-laws baby) so I phoned his family, lent him my head tourch and walked with him back to aboyne. took an hour and a half to get back to the main road, by which time I was frozen, the dinner was burned and sara was not amused! never mind, the beer was super chilled by that time and I think I had earned it!
oh and the dog was fine- it had had enough and gone home.
27/03/08 Gary
I too came here from Lamahip but unfortunately not on a path. I wish they would update these maps more often. There are heaps of paths and LR tracks around this area and none of them are marked correctly on the map. Even worse somewhere deep in the heather between Lamahip and Brackenstake I lost my Orienteering compass. If I had been on a path I would have looked for it but it could be in the heather anywhere. Well any future Challenger Pointers could keep a look out. Eventually came upon a LR track that took me to a main track and then I could go up the track past the grouse shooting butts. The snow drifts were quite deep in places. I was surprised to see how close to Carn Ferg I was. From summit headed SSE without compass back to the car park. 1h20

23/03/08 Dave and Kathy
Came here from Lamahip. Took the path not marked on the map across the flattish boggy area between the two marked tracks, then went up first on a track to some shooting butts, then though mostly short heather. The weather, already bad, went all Arctic on us. There's no bracken up here, but there are quite a lot of stakes. Took a direct route back to the car park by Birse Church. Nearly 3 hours walking over p69 and here, would make a pleasant hour's run in decent weather.




08/02/08 Sarah

Parked at the bridge in Aboyne and set off up the Fungle. Felt heavy legged but made myself do 15 x 1 minute reps up the hill. Joined the big track below Carnferg and continued S for 1km to just beyond where the track drops and before it swings sharp right. Took the lower of the two landrover tracks that go off to the left here, which takes you across into the bog and towards the foot of the slope up Brackenstake. From here it's less than 10 minutes to the top through short, heavily managed, heather (no sign of bracken, despite the name). Not a great morning; wild, windy and generally dreich. There's an apology for a cairn at the top - perhaps all Challengers should take a rock up here with them to build it up a bit. Returned the same way in around 100 minutes total (it would be shorter without the hill reps obviously)

[69] NO 55458 92670 Lamahip

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15/06/08 Evelyn and Derek

After an enforced layoff for a few weeks due to family committments, it would have been nice to have a beautiful summers day for our return to the Challenge. However we had to be brave little soldiers and go out in the wind/showers.

Parked a la Gary - Burnfoot and up the new track to No 549 921 where there is a crossroads of paths and you hang a right. Continue along to 557 922 where there is a faint 4X4 track which leads directly to the top.

We had been intending going west from here and picking up the old track in the woods for an alternative descent but the weather was unkind and we decided just to retrace our steps.
On to 68

(apologies for the thumb in the photo - so long since I've used the camera)


27/03/08 Gary
Parked at the car park at the end of the road from Finzean. Ran along the road to Burnfoot and then up the new track. Took unmarked track East hoping to find Sarah's track up to the summit but after running for ages I got bored so took off up to the summit through the heather. At the top I couldn't see the track to Brackenstake as mentioned by Dave so again headed off through the heather to CP68.

23/03/08 Dave and Kathy
Followed Michael's route up in very wintry weather. Snowed most of the way. Didn't go east along the new track to find the track to the summit - just went straight up through the heather. Which was very hard going. Came back to the path then headed west on another unmarked track to the top of the Glencat-Birse track.

01/03/08 Michael

Started in Forest of Birse at 541 907 and followed new track NE and then swing E to the junction (558 922) with Sarah's landrover track (after 2.5km), then up to the summit.

1


5/02/08 Sarah

Ran a great wee circuit round this today with good tracks all the way. Parked on the Glen Cat road near Ythanside and ran up the track through the woods that follows the Burn of Garbet. Just where the track swings left and flattened out (after about 3km), there's another track off up to the right that's not shown on the OS 1:25,000. If you follow this it takes you all the way to the top of Corybeg. From there, there is another unmapped track that heads towards Lamahip, and at the foot of the main climb a smaller landrover track climbs all the way up to the summit. I carried on over the top and dropped towards the Burn of Auldenachie where I picked up the small path marked on the OS map. I turned right on this and followed it all the way down. It continues all the way round the field to rejoin the track you first started on just to the north of Murley. I took 70 minutes for the circuit doing hill reps on the way up, but I reckon it would only be 50 mins or so as a straight run. It was a beautiful 'spring' morning with good views across lower Deeside and in towards the hills.

[70] NO 52018 95830 Fungle Seat

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31/07/08 Dave H
Rand from Glen Tanar with Kathy over Baudy Meg (very heathery) then when she went back for the car I jogged over the Fungle to Aboyne. Forgot I would be back here again on Saturday for the games race.










24/05/08 Michael
Passed this spot on route to Baudy Meg (Point 67).

07/04/08 Evelyn and Derek

When we left for work this morning there was 5" of snow at our house and we never imagined that we would get out for a run tonight. But a massive thaw - around 9 degrees today - meant much of the snow disappeared and we set off for Aboyne. Parked at the Boat where the river was looking impressive as the meltwater rushed down and there was only a little snow left on the Fungle.

Easy run up and back and loosen off after Saturday's two hard runs.

08/02/08 Sarah

Stopped off at the seat on my return from Brackenstake. There used to be a good view of Aboyne from here, but the trees have grown up too high now.

20/01/08 Peter & Sara
up here for an evening stroll and the first challange point of the year... got here with 2min to spare so had a cuppa while we waited then headed for home.

[71] NO 57938 80860 Shank of Mondair

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13/07/08 Dave and Kathy
Took a different route to the previous Challengers - a shorter drive but a longer trip. We biked in from the Cairn O'Mount road at the bridge over the Spital Burn. Easy though quite long ride all the way up the Water of Dye until we got to a sheep fold at 574826. Here we abandoned the bikes and plodded up through the heather and bog. The top has a decent view down to Glen Esk, though it feels like the middle of nowhere. The run back down was easier than expected, the peaty channels are good running. Took 3/4 hour on the bike then another hour up and down. Went on to p72.


18/3/08 Ben and Clare
Thought we would make the journey worthwhile and do this one after 72 & 73. Found the track, as below, and enjoyed a good run up the track. Old track most of the way to the top then turn right on a recent 4wd vehicle track which goes close to the trig point. Heather burning being carried out. Back off and down to the car. 1 hour 1 minute.

09/02/08 Evelyn and Derek

In from the Tarfside road at Hillock Farm. For parking, carry on past the farm and the next little cottage with all the garden ornaments and there is a little hole in the embankment about 200 metres further on. Run back along the road and up through the farm (friendly farmer). The gate onto the hill is on the eastern edge of the farm and the cows seem friendly.

A good run up to the trig point although there's little but peat hag up here. Its an old track, soft and wet lower down and slippy stones further up so I wouldn't recommend cycling unless you are really keen. We had benefit of wind in our backs on the way up although it made the return a bit cold.

Driving back out, a couple of fields after Hillock Farm - About half way up a hill on your left is what looks like a lime-green paper mache cow - ?

[72] NO 62188 79235 Hound Hillock

13/07/08 Dave and Kathy
Biked back from p71 then took the same route as Michael. There's a surprisingly good view both towards Lochnagar and out to sea from the top. Lots of peat on the way though. Easy run, then an easy bike back. Getting late so decided Meluncart would be a hill too far.

19/03/08 Clare & Ben
Parked at layby near Cairn o' Mount viewpoint for this and 73. Followed the fence line most of the way and then track that runs close to the top. Then retraced steps to the previous hill and contoured a bit then on to deer tracks and down peat hags heading for 73. Going not as bad as we expected.

10/02/08 Michael

Cycled in from Glen Dye and left bike 400m south of Old Hangy Burn. At this point I took the left hand track up to Hound Hillock trig point. Nice run down the hill to the bike and back down the track for the ascent up Meluncart


09/02/08 Evelyn and Derek
The path shown on the OS leading west from the Cairn O' Mount viewpoint is a fourth dimensional entity in that it doesn't exist anywhere in this universe. For the odd twenty metres or so you'll get sheep track which then disappears into a peat bog - don't bring your shiny new shoes.
We just hung onto the fence line which heads over the hill and plodded on.
Seemed twice as far back.



.

[73] NO 63078 82025 Meluncart

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29/07/08 Dave H
Thought I should get this one done just so it isn't my 100th point. Started on the road just before the last climb to the Cairn O'Mount. There is a track that goes to a locked gate, with room to park. I followed the track but it went in a big loop and ended only about 500m from the car. Kathy says she took it and found a bridge over the stream and a path to some shooting butts on the NE side of the hill, but I must have missed a junction. Ended up just going straight up through the heather, bog and peat hags. Misty so no view. Took 30 mins up and 15 down. Not the most exciting of hills.



18/3/08 Clare and Ben

From 72 bit of a heather trog up the last bit but soon reached the top. A good area of heather burn spotted from the top gave good access to the fence line leading back to the car at the Cairn o' Mount. 1 hour 42 for both 72 & 73. A big day today - on to 71.

16/02/08 Evelyn and Derek


Followed Michael's route exactly (barring a few missed turns on the bikes - since we've never
been in here before and got carried away with
the views. The wreckage is quite hard to spot
since its in a sunken section of heather but its
very intriguing.
Fabulous weather - the kind of days you dream about when stuck behind a desk - this time our luck is in. Take a small break for food back at the bikes - today was a chance for me to try out one of my Christmas presents, a hip flask which I've filled with plum brandy. Took a few more wrong turns on the way out.

10/02/08 Michael

On return route from Hound Hillock deposited bike at NO 61895 82005 and headed due east, up hill through the heather. On climb up I came across some old remains, not sure if it was a plane or alien craft at NO 62846 81945 (try link http://www.scotcrash.homecall.co.uk/oxford.htm). Photo shows south side of Clachnaben and Mount Shade to the right. Continued up the hill to reach a cairn and some 20 metres away a sheltered stone area.

Retraced my steps to the bike and and looked forward to the ride back to the car parked at Spital Cottage - until my pedal dropped off!!

[74] NO 62668 87100 Mount Shade

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06/12/08 Sarah

Cracking day. Unfortunately running conditions were poor - ice on the bottom track and crusted snow up high, which wasn't quite weight bearing. Headed first up Clachnaben, then returned over Mount Shade. Passed Gary out for a walk with friends on my descent.

08/07/08 Dave H
Took the route advised by Michael and D+E, but went to the end of the track instead of taking the ride off to the right. This is a mistake. There's lots of heather between there and the top. Came back the right way, but if you want a quick way up it would be much better to go to Miller's Bog, or even follow the Clachnaben race route. I managed to get a full hour's run out of this route, which I hadn't expected.





16/02/08 Evelyn and Derek

Still following Michael's instructions - another new part of the country for us. Stiff climb up Greystane Hill but character building. I gps'd the path at 63658 87163 but its pretty clear where the entry is. After the first section of heather you top out at a cairn where you pick up Michael's narrow path to Mount Shade. From the Cairn up isn't so hard as it first seems and with views like today's over Feughside who cares anyway.

From here you can (with imagination) see the tearoom at Finzean and that is our bonus point for today if we get there in time (which we do - just)


09/02/2008 Michael D

From Clachnaben carpark followed track up to Greystane Hill past radio mast and at about NO 63635 86995 a gap in the forest reveals a path upto the deer fence and upto Threestane Hill From there head south west on well defined track upto Mount Shade. An alternative route back is to descend the hill on it's west side and make your way back to Millers Bog via the gap between Clacnaben and Mount Shade.

[75] NO 67897 93960 Scolty

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09/11/08 Ewan and Sarah

Another point for Ewan today. Up and down the most direct route from the car park. And climbed to the top of the tower.

28/09/08 Sarah

Found time to sneak in my 50th point this afternoon. Good view from the top of the tower in the afternoon sunlight.

10/05/08 Evelyn and Derek

Carrying out our annual pre-race pitch inspection. Thought our challenge training would make this a doddle but its still hard work. The wooded section after you go through the wall has a lot of fallen trees - there is a path through but its going to need clear marking for the race. Got lost (again) on the last downhill even though I mark it with Dave every year and once again descended by the bikers route (scary).

5/3/08 Karen, Colin, Jo and Malcolm
Nice day but very windy. Parked in the car park and followed the normal circular route over the top.


1/3/08 Dave and Kathy
Stage 1 of our "how can we get out of the wind?" tour of Aberdeenshire. Biked up from the car park following the easiest route, ie straight on from the gate and up the first race descent route. This should really all be rideable, but I admit I had to walk the steepest bit. Went on to point 76.

16/02/2008 Michael

Running from point no. 76 I followed the river and and made my way up to Scolty via the hill race accent route in just over an hour from leaving the car park. Headed back to the Shooting Greens via the southern slopes of the forest taking in the beautiful views of Feughsidede. A glorious day.

15/02/08 Gary

Did some biking up here. Cycled up the back way where the hill race descends first time around. This is all rideable whereas the other ascents are tricky. I descended where the downhillers go - there is some crazy stuff down there.

[76] NO 64668 96280 R Dee opposite trustach

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5/3/08 Karen, Colin, Jo and Malcolm - did this point after Scolty but we didn't have bikes.
Lovely paths along by the river.


1/3/08 Dave and Kathy
Biked down from Scolty. Took the first race descent route down then along the contour path until it reaches the trees, then went straight on where there is a good forest road. It's a bit complicated to explain the route from here, but the OS map is accurate. Downhill most of the way so very easy despite the wind. I thought the stones on the river bed were very colourful...








16/02/2008 Michael


Decided to do one of my favourite routes; one I've done countless times before but this time I gave credit to the Challenge! (A direct route to the river is from the Shooting Greens car park to 63755 95170 where you leave the track and head north and downhill through the forest on a small track, about 10 metres west of the burn). You will be at the river in under 10 minutes then 10 minutes to point no.76. I then headed to Scolty following the river.




04/02/08 Sarah


Had an easy run down here at lunchtime. It's a lovely stretch of the river. I wasn't feeling great, so returned the same way, but you can do a nice circuit if you carry along the Dee towards Banchory then loop back up through Blackhall Forest. You could take it in with Scolty easily enough on a longish run. There were some nice bracket fungi on an old birch stump.





03/02/08 Evelyn and Derek











After a lovely crisp winter's day yesterday we had a big melt and it's blustery at home so we decide to head into the shelter of the trees. Park at Shooting Greens and a nice run down to the river - all the time being aware that its up back to the car. 20 to 25 minutes each way - nice start to the day

[77] NO 41118 98125 R Dee in Torphantrick Wood

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22/12/08 Ewan, Sarah and Jon

Walked along from Cambus Bridge.

18/05/08 James cycled here from 61, en route to 79, nice ride and cracking veiws.

11/04/08 Sarah

Killed 3 birds with one run this morning - 2 challenge points and a short technical orienteering training. Parked at Cambus o' May bridge and jogged out to here first, then zig-zagged back through the terrain on the O map before continuing to 78.

22/03/08 Evelyn and Derek

A nice sheltered run over from 78. 25 minute run back to the car at Dinnet.

02/03/08 Michael

Cycled here from 78; struggled over bridge gates. Cycled back to Aboyne Gliding Club in 30 minutes from bridge.


23/02/08 Gary and Hannah

We cycled from Dinnet to Cambus. There was a strong westerly wind but the railway track was fairly sheltered. Getting across the bridge was a pain as the gates on either end are not very cycle friendly but we were soon off along the river track. Our route was just under 8 miles.

03/02/08 Kathy and Dave
Walked out here while waiting for Kathy to return from Tullich mast, but she ran and caught up with me. Not a lot to take a picture of, so she impersonated the Angel of the North (is that the right word? maybe inangelated?). It'sonly 1km from Cambus Bridge, but that's about all I can manage at the moment.

[78] NO 43928 97315 R Dee in Muir of Dinnet

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26/05/08 Karen and Jo

Cycled back to Ballater after point 82 by the river. Easier to go back up to the old line than carry on the same way.

18/05/08 James

Cycled down here on my way home was getting tired by this point but was a fantastic day all round.

11/04/08 Sarah

Jogged along here from Cambus O' May bridge after 77. A nice easy run which was just what I wanted. I managed to finish without vast amounts of coughing for the first time in a few weeks.

22/03/08 Evelyn and Derek

Due to wind and snow we decided that today was a day for sheltered, easily navigable points - so a nice run out from Dinnet to take in 78 and then on to 77. Although not very exciting it was lovely on a snowy day.

02/03/08 Michael

Cycled here from Aboyne Gliding Club car park. Now onto 77.

03/02/08 Dave
While Kathy was running through the snow to Tullich mast I wandered along the old railway line from Cambus to this point by the river. Nice enough walk, but unexciting. Took an hour, so I suppose it would take about 20mins to run.

[79] NO 42073 99080 Cnoc Dubh

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18/05/08 James

A meandering route from Wisdomhow saw me up here a slightly more direct blast and that was my third of the day. fantastic veiws of lochnagar, shame the camera on my phone is so poor. Now off to 78 and home.

10/4/08 Gary

After the snow on Tuesday at Glen Tanar I decided to stay fairly low and decided upon this point. Headed towards the Burn O vat and then at the entrance veered off piste and straight to the summit. I descended via Dave's route.

29/03/08 Michael

This weekend I didn't stray much from Loch Kinord. Took the usual route as everyone else - what great views. On to point 80.

22/03/08 Evelyn and Derek

Heading home after our sheltered run from Dinnet to 78 and 77 we decided "one more for luck". Ben took us up here a couple of years ago and Dave's route is very clear so no navigation problems even in the snow. Fair few people out and about but on our own after the Forestry Commission sign and an great run up the snowy track to the top. Ben brought us up from the other side (we think) but we couldn't see an alternative route down due to the snow. Worried about finding ourselves heading into the Vat, we turned around and retraced our steps.

12/03/08 Karen

Cycled from Ballater along the old line and then off to left at Crannach. A nice little footpath leads from the track just out of the trees to the summit.

22/02/08 Sarah and Jon

Parked at Dinnet to run one of my favourite lower level routes. There was a lot of blue sky around but this was interspersed with squally, sleety showers and the wind was cold. Ran round the N side of Loch Kinord towards the Burn o' Vat car park, then up the path that runs along above the line of the Vat Burn. From the track at the top of the Vat we followed Dave's route to the top. It was quite pleasant at that stage, (note Jon is still wearing just a t-shirt over his helly). Descended via Dave's route. This is a really fun path. Look out for the line of huge ant hills along one side of the track in one section. Crossed over the road at the bottom and picked up the track that links in with the path back round the S side of Loch Kinord and past [81]. 87 mins total, with neither of us feeling very bouncy.

7/2/08 Peter
On my own (again) and not in the mood for anything too adventurous so decided on a familiar run up cnoc dubh. started at the visitors center then went to the top as dave described, on the way down head west from the top for 100m or so untill you come across a path and follow it down the hill. keep your eye out on the way down- there is a path heading off to the left. follow it, it offers a great run over undulating ground, until you reach a rough track, turn left and follow this down to the main road. the road was a bit hard on the old hill shoes so headed down to bogingore and then back up to the car. 36min inc. warmup. sorry, no photos at the moment- my 'shockproof, waterproof, bombproof' camera has had to go back to the shop... i broke it... and my mobile... obviously not peterproof!

2/2/08 Dave + Kathy
Calf still injured after the relay, so we walked up here on a beautiful snowy morning. It can be a bit difficult to find the best route up here, so I'll give some directions: Get onto the track from Raebush to Cambus, starting either at the Burn O'Vat visitor centre or the Raebush road junction. Follow the track to the Forestry Commission sign, just where it starts to descend to Cambus. Here there is a track going off to the left, which you might not have noticed before. It gets much better after only a few metres. Follow it as it winds around then goes steeply uphill. After the climb it flattens off then starts to go down to the right. At this point there is a narrower path going left. Take this for 100m or so, then it turns right and goes steeply up a forest ride. Go up here until it flattens off. From here it is straight on to the summit, although there is no path for the first 50m or so. If you go straight ahead past a rock slab with a ring of stones for a fire on, you will get to another path. Go left on it and you'll be at the top in a minute or two. There is an exposed rock outcrop which means you are out of the trees and the view is fantastic for such an easy climb. If you go south for 100m or so there is a great view over the lochs. You can go back the same way, but it is more interesting to take a different route. Go back down the path and stay on it instead of turning right across the pathless section. The first time I did this I did it by accident and was half way down the hill before I realised I wasn't going down the way I went up. Follow the path for quite a way downhill. You have to make 2 left turns. The first is just after the first small climb, where there is a t-junction (the right hand path goes to Cambus O'May hotel). The second is 500m or so after going under a power line, where you turn left up a steepish hill. Going straight on takes you to the Burn O'Vat road near the north Deeside road. After this turn just follow the main path and you will come out at the Burn O'Vat road just across from a parking place where a path goes right to Loch Kinord, or left back to the visitor centre. If you want to find the path from the other direction, it is right in front of the only big pine tree across from the parking place. It's only half a km back (turn left just before the cottage with a red roof). This is a great bike ride as well as a run or walk. Takes about 35 mins to run, 30 to ride and a lot longer to walk.

[80] NJ 41593 01140 Trig point above Raebush

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29/04/08 Karen

Took an alternative route - cycled from Ballater leaving bike at the bottom of Glen Coulston. Ran up to the top of the glen and then across the hillside (lots of heather!) to the trig point. headed straight down to the Cambus O'May paths and back along the old line to the bike.

12/04/08 Evelyn and Derek

Thanks for the route advice - a straightforward run as per Gary and Dave. Lost some time faffing around with timer on (new) camera but still a reasonable round-trip, about 60 minutes running. We took the direct route on the leg back - quite enjoyed the heather-bashing although a few hidden holes and boulders sprang a few surprises.

29/03/08 Michael

Unfortunately took left fork which fizzled out and took the more direct through heather and snow.

On to point 82.

18/02/08 Gary

I ran up here the same way as Dave H up to the top of Culblean and then to the Trig point. It was much warmer today than recently though not sunny. I came back much the same way I ascended. 50 min.

17/02/08 Dave H
The first point I have run to this year! Took the same route as below, except that I didn't take the false left turn. It looks more obvious than the right hand fork which actually goes briefly downhill. From the end of the track there are a few small paths which make quite reasonable going to the trig point. Took a direct route to Redburn back, but it would have been quicker to return to the track. It was all heather and boulders. Took about 50mins altogether.





Clare, Ben & Jane 6/2/08

Parked by the quarry and ran up the track by Redburn Cottage. Good runnable track but we took a left fork which fizzled out. Up through heather and via deer tracks to the trig point and lovely views down Deeside. Contoured across to the track to descend.

[81] NO 44433 99030 Earthwork by Loch Kinord

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29/03/08 Michael

Last of the day - a nice easy one!

29/02/08 Gary

Went for a blast around the loch after work. No pics.

29/02/08 Karen, Jo and Malcolm


A horrible wet and windy morning so had to do something easy!









22/02/08 Sarah and Jon



Returned past this point on our run up Cnoc Dubh from Dinnet. By the time we got here it was freezing and we were being blasted with icy rain (I'm sure it should have been snow at that temperature). Jon doesn't look quite so relaxed any more....




02/02/08 Evelyn and Derek

One more for today with thoughts of finishing in the Victoria Tearoom. The point is right on the circular path, which we've done several times in the summer - nice to see it on a crisp, snowy day. Tearooms closed by the time we get back, so move onto Aboyne for hot chocolate/marshmallows - yummy.


19/01/08 Dave and Kathy
Came here right after the dinner, just to get the new challenge off to a good start. Easy walk down from the north Deeside road, even in the dark. Very atmospheric in the moonlight. Came home and had a cup of tea from our new teapot and mugs.

[82] NJ 44250 00950 Inflow to Loch Davan

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17/07/08 Dave H
Thought it a day for a very gentle walk, so came here along the track from just south of Ordie. Lovely spot. Lots of birds (that didn't hang around to be photographed) and flowers.

26/05/08 Karen and Jo

Cycled along the old line from Ballater to Dinnet and then took the track at Ordie towards the Loch. Used the gps to get to the spot.

12/04/08 Sarah and Ewan

Bagged this point today without even realising it at the time. Parked on the back road near Glendavan House. Jon went to hang some tapes for me to do some O training on the Glendavan map and Ewan and I wandered through a gate and down towards Loch Davan. There was a little path heading round the loch which we followed until we found ourselves next to the burn inflow. It's a lovely little bit of wood and swamp land along the edge of the loch. Sauntered back to reach the car just as Jon finished his 24 minute run. Then it was over to me to do my training and collect the tapes in.

10/4/08 Gary

Came here from 79. Total time 1h 03min.

29/03/08 Michael

An easy run from Heugh on the B9119 and then onto last of day at point 81.

02/02/08 Evelyn and Derek

After lunch we decided it was such a lovely day that we needed to go back out again. Cleared the drive enough to get C2 out. Came into this route from Ordie/Dinnet road - very muddy and boggy - with ground heavily trampled by cattle. My only advice - keep to the high spots.

[83] NJ 45333 03130 Fernyhowe

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08/08/08 Sarah and Jon
Parked outside Dave and Kathy's. Knocked on the door and invited Dave for a run, but he seemed to think that work was preferable - very strange. Followed the paths through the woods and up onto the hill; all new territory to me. It is a good viewpoint, but no photo as I forgot my camera. Continued from here on to Corrachree.

30/03/08 Michael





Parked in woods just north of Leys and made the easy ascent to Ferryhowe - agree with Dave, could not see any signs of fort. Headed for Hill of Corrachree (point 84) some 1.5 Km due north.



22/03/08 Evelyn and Derek


After 78, 77 and 79 we really were on our way home but couldn't resist what looked like (and is) an easy but worthwhile run.




04/02/08 Dave H
Got fed up of work so walked here from home. Only takes half an hour, but the path is very muddy at the moment. It's a good viewpoint, of a wintry Morven, among other things. There is supposed to be an unfinished iron age fort up here, but I've never seen any sign of it.

[84] NJ 45493 04570 Hill of Corrachree

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08/08/08 Sarah and Jon
Took a fairly direct line from Ferrnyhowe to here. Had to cross a bit of rough stuff and lots of fences threatening to be electric, but no nasty shocks. Returned from here back to our car parked at Strathweltie. This was enough for me, so while Jon crossed the road and carried on to Craig Dhu (87) and Craig Ferrar(88), I stopped by for a welcome cuppa with Dave and Kathy, before driving round to pick Jon up at the gliding strip.

12/04/08 Evelyn and Derek
Another route. We parked at the turn- off for Collordon. Ran in along the farm track and took the left turn for Parkneuk. About two hundred metres in there are some logging vehicle tracks going straight up the hill to your left. Climb here and you come out on the ridge and continue following the obvious track towards Corrachree. After a gate the trig is in view but you need to cross a fence to get there. Once over, there's a lovely run on the open ground up to the trig. (No photo - forgot to lift it from the car). On the way back, just as you turn back down towards the Parkneuk track, there's another logging track dropping off NW. Back at the car we can now see a track going up directly opposite the car so its likely they are the same track - shorter route if they are.




30/03/08 Michael





From point 83 headed north to reach this point. Crossed several fences following power lines until reaching 45270 04260 (a kink in the track on the OS map, west of Braehead). Cross track into field, near old bathtub, and head 20 metres north and through at gate giving you a straight run NE upto the hill. Photo shows Fernyhowe in distance, some 1.5km away.

06/02/08 Dave H
I continued my walking tour of small hills around Tarland with a stroll up here at lunchtime. It only takes 30mins to run there and back from home, but I didn't have time to walk the whole way so I drove to the north side and walked up through the strip of woodland to the north of Corrachree house. There is a symbol stone in a field on the way, though I have never been able to see an image of any kind on it. I took a picture so someone else can have a go. The view from the top of the hill is good, especially on such a great day. It is a good run from here to point 83, though you do have to cross a few fences.

[85] NJ 43548 08910 Baderonoch Hill

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01/09/08 Sarah

Parked near the N lochan and followed a similar route to others - although I'm not quite sure what happened to the track through the woods. on my way back I dropped to the little pond near the edge of the trees that you can see from the top. There's a rather nice stone carving sitting next to it (pictured). Returned more or less the same way.

17/05/08 Evelyn and Derek

Drove in to Reinacharn Lodge, parking a few hundred metres before the buildings. Run up through the buildings onto landrover track. After two gates you reach the small lochan and mauve summerhouse. A landrover track runs from here directly to the top of the hill - easy peasy for a change.

27/02/08 Dave H
Quick lunchtime run up here. Started from the northern most lochan and followed the track to the edge of the wood as advised, then went straight up through the heather to a fence, from where a path goes right to the top over a little hill west of the main hill. From the top it looked as if the path from the southern loch would have been a better choice, though no doubt there is some heather either way. The easiest route is from Lazy Well (you could bike from here all the way to Pressendye).

Michael 24/02/08

Followed the advice below and made my way upto Baderonoch Hill. Decided to continue across to point no. 86, 5.5 km in the distance.

Ben, Clare & Jane 6/2/08

It was a gorgeous day so we had to go and do a second hill. Parked by the two lochans and ran in through the wood. Would recommend a route via the north side along from the Boathouse until a small bridge across the outflow. Up an old track to the edge of the wood then follow the edge of the wood on grass until crossing a short stretch of heather to a fence line to the top.

[86] NJ 49063 09030 Pressendye

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28/07/08 Dave and Gary
Biked up from home. It's a good hard ride up, then fun back down again. Takes me about 70mins usually. We reckon the last bit is probably unrideable. Gary tried to demonstrate how it should be done, but ended up demonstrating how I did it. Now I've discovered how to put routes on the blog, I thought I'd show you the how to get there. Saves a lot of words. Click on the map for a bigger version.







24/04/08 Karen, Jo and Malcolm

Parked on the Cushnie road and followed landrover tracks and then a footpath to the top returning the same way.

31/03/08
Evelyn and Derek
Even with Dave's instructions, we still found it hard to find a good route up from the Cushnie side. We left the main track at the right place but kept following the clearest route (the alternative being impenetrable forest) and ended up exiting the forest too far east.
We then had to trudge back through the snow to reach the fence-line, from where its a

straightforward climb to the top.

We were up here early evening with the sun picking out the snow-capped peaks in the distance - beautiful. Will this be our last snowy landscape of the winter or will April bring late snow - watch this space.


29/02/08 Dave H
Took a new route, recommended by Ben as the quickest way up here. Didn't leave home until 5 so it had to be quick. Started on the Cushnie road at 521087, where there is lots of room to park on the forest track. Followed this for a couple of km until it turns sharp right. From here the forest looks impenetrable, and I didn't take a good route through it. Ended up too high and had lots of heather to get through before I got to the path beside the fence, only 5mins from the top. It was dark, windy and snowing at the top, which is why the photo is so bad. It only took me 29.20 though, which is quicker than I've got to the top from Tarland so given a good route choice this probably is a fast route. Going back I followed the fence down until it turns right (about 498089) then went into the forest. There is a reasonably clear line from here to the track about 100m uphill from where I left it - just stay in the clearest bit of the forest, don't go too far downhill and it's ok. This would be the best ascent route, ie go round the sharp bend and keep going until the forest looks runnable, then go gently uphill. Took 21.13 down.



Michael 24/02/08



From point 85, headed east to Pressendye (86) following the undulating route of a vehicle track. Terrific views in all directions. On return, I heard a commotion from around a bend and came across a stoat (in white winter coat) attacking a rabbit on the track -they were rolling around the track (if only I thought of using my camera!), anyway I broke the fight up and sent them packing - the stoat shot down a nearby rabbit hole and the rabbit followed it down the same hole a few moments later!

I passed the tearoom located at 442 088 (Lazy Well) but it was closed for business.

[87] NJ 48893 01280 Craig Dhu

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30/11/08 Michael

Parked at Balnagowan on the Tarland road out of Aboyne. Headed west through the forest then NW to reach point 87. Returned via the main road.

02/09/08 Evelyn and Derek


Following on from 88 we just struck a line and headed for 87. Not sure what we were searching for but gps got us to the spot.
Coming back was a bit of a nightmare though. We headed for and reached the entrance to the forest track south of Airlie farm. Didn't see the building at NJ 503 003 and found oursleves leaving the forest to the east heading for the Tarland road out of Aboyne. Thinking that was going to be a long run we headed back in to try to find the missed track south. By now it was getting a bit dark. We never found the track but made our way through the forest to Dykehead farm where we ended up in a field surrounded by an electric fence. With daylight really going desperate measures were called for so we found a bit of wood and hoiked up the fence and got out to the track - phew.

24/03/08 Dave H
With the weather warnings having been upgraded to "be prepared" (does wearing a hat count?) I thought I would restrict myself to a run from the house today. Set off in a blizzard up Scar Hill, had a brief spell of sunshine between the two hills, then back to snow and wind on Craig Dhu. This is a great area though, lots of deer and birds and never any people. The only problem is that the approach from our house (ie from the north) is very overgrown with broom, gorse and bracken.














29/02/08 Sarah



Ran along the top from Craig Ferrar. There's some nice bits of birch and pine wood, but it's a bit rough and boggy underfoot. From the top I returned cross-country through Balnagowan, taking a line picking up the hilltops. Found a path that brought me back through a strip of woodland to the railway just at the edge of the village.




27/01/08 - Warren - approached from Dykehead farm access and Balnagowan hill out and back. Could do good loop routes for future Thurs night sessions.

[88] NO 49323 99460 Craig Ferrar

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02/09/08 Evelyn and Derek

We'd have liked to do it in the winter and avoid the bracken but it was one of the last few points we'd any chance of doing in an evening before the nights draw in completely so we had to give it a go. Parked at the gliding club and in via the track at No 495 988.

Bracken was chest high and higher and was a real slog at the start of the climb. After that though it was a decent climb.

19/07/08 Dave and Kathy
We thoroughly recommend doing this point in the winter. The bracken and broom make it hard work in summer. We went along the track to the west side of the hill and went up from there, but there is no clear route. Came back due south and just bashed through the bracken at the bottom of the hill. The top is actually rather nice, with short heather in bloom and a good view of Deeside. Not sure it is worth the effort though. There is a boundary stone with B on one side and H on the other. Any idea what they stand for? Presumably not Bracken and Heather.

02/03/08 Michael

Parked at Gliding Club car park, crossed road and headed NW then followed the fence line up to the summit. Back to car and onto bike for 78.

29/02/08 Sarah

Left the car in Aboyne and ran out the railway, then followed the same route as others to the top. Continued on from here to 87.

10 Feb - Sue & Star - up same westerly route. Greeted by herd of over friendly cattle! Eventually shoo'd off by lots of waving and shouting at them!
Safety tip - be aware of cattle and don't let them get close.

27 Jan - Warren & Sam - night run along the railway track to west of Craig Ferrar, picked up the track up west side of Ferrar, then picked a line to the top. Plenty of gorse and rocks as well as 'false tops' by night, but eventually found the trig point and enjoyed the clear night views. Descent by the east side down to the farm with snow cover, woke up some sheep and eventually found a gate out of the field.....

20/01/08 Gary
From my house I ran along the railway track towards Aboyne and then headed up the track towards Dykehead. Where the track turns right I carried straight on into the woods with the plan to head around the back of the farm and to Craig Ferrar.

However I ran a bit too far and ended up on Craig Dhu. Ooops. So from here I went directly to Craig Ferrar. Experience told me not to head straight down and try and join the farmers track through the field. Last time the gorse and steep rocks was a near maze. Instead I followed the fence slightly to the East straight down. If you are looking for a quick way to the top from the road following the fence is definitely best. Probably one that is best in winter as there is alot of bracken about.

[89] NJ 52688 04380 Hill above Lochmanse

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22/06/08 Michael

Parked on the road west of Lochmanse farm. Followed the track through the farm and before the track turned shaply north, I headed west, directly for the summit. Eventually, after climbing through the heather, I reached the cairn in under 20 mins. For my return I headed due north down the hill to meet the track over the burn and jogged back to the car.I think that this return route may have been a better route to the summit.

08/05/08 Sarah and Jon

Took the opportunity of working at home today to have a rare run with Jon at lunchtime. Parked at Loanend and ran up the tracks into the forest. The pool in the quarry looked very tempting as we passed it by. Made our way via tracks and rides to the crossing point of a burn at 525032. Just after you come out of the forest here there's a grassy track that heads up the hill. If you follow this, then with a bit of good judgement and some luck, you can find your way on small paths to within 5 minutes or so of the top of the hill. Nice running in semi-open areas with old pine trees scattered around. It was such a fine day that we decided to continue from the top on to Craiglich, and then returned much more rapidly through the forest, picking up the network of tracks. When we got back to the quarry pool we couldn't resist the temptation of a skinny dip. It was cold - very cold - but we felt very refreshed afterwards.

14/04/08 Evelyn and Derek

Someone ought to give me map-reading lessons before I do us a damage. Came in from the Handicap end and ran up the track to the small quarry/waterpool where I thought we could short cut through the trees and head directly for the top. Didn't notice the swamp until up to the proverbials in it - and Ev in her new shoes. Skirted around the rest of the swamp and trudged up through the heather to the top - lovely view. Tried another route back, aiming for the top of the handicap route which we eventually found.

Declaring this the hardest point so far this year.

07/02/08 Dave H
Went for my usual lunchtime ramble, this time somewhere I'd never been before. Started from the high point of the Tarland-Aberdeen road, and followed the track round to the south side of Craiglich. From here it is not far at all to the path that comes up from Lochmanse, but don't even think about taking the shortest route. It's a nightmare of dense spruce and gorse. If a voice in the back of your head says "go on, it's only 200m", then you've been possessed by the devil and you'll need to see the appropriate specialist. The correct route is to go on to the end of the track where there is a turning area. Go right and downhill here and in about 20m you'll come to a faint path. Go right on it and it will take you to the path junction at 531047. It's a bit overgrown but ok. This is the gate at the top of the handicap run we've done from Loanend a couple of times. There is a path going SW from here. Take it and then take the left turn and you'll end up quite near the hill. You still have a bit of heather to get across though. If you stay on the path then with a few good decisions and a bit of luck you might end up in Aboyne. This area is a bit of a wilderness, you could wander here for days and not see anyone. The run from Mortlich to Craiglich must be the longest 4km in Deeside. The point itself is rather nice. Scattered pines and a great view up Deeside. I was rather surprised to see a small cairn at the high point - it felt like I was the only person ever to have come here.

[90] NJ 54338 01135 Little Hill

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22/06/08 Michael

Set of from Boddomend and followed previous directions. Remember when you turn right from the main track go straight on at the next marker (don't go left - as I did!). Came back down in 8 minutes despite tripping and going head over heels on the descent.

14/06/08 Dave and Kathy
Dodged the showers for a Short Walk up a little hill. Or maybe a short walk up a Little Hill. There is really a lot of gorse and broom up here. Followed D+E's route.















09/04/08 Evelyn and Derek

Another fine night for dropping down below the snow line for a run. Parked at the Dess Waterfall and then along the railway as Sarah suggests. From Boddomend we just followed the red gravel track all the way up until we came to a waymarker. Turned right and then straight on at the next one. Lovely view all around the area and a snow storm in the distance which we kept an eye on for a few minutes to make sure we weren't going to run into it on the way back.

20/01/08 Sarah

Nipped out after 4pm this afternoon just as the sun was going down, fortunately to be replaced by a full moon. Ran from home along the railway and then up the track that leaves the road near Boddomend. Only ~11 minutes run to the top from the track end. Got safely back across the Dess Burn and up through the woods to home without having to dig my torch out. A very pleasant start to the new Challenge.

[91] NO 55508 97980 Mouth of Tarland Burn

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01/12/08 Ewan, Jon and Sarah

Another family walk. Ewan on 8 points now.

30/11/08 Michael

Through Bell Wood to the mouth of Tarland Burn and back again - nice flat route.

25/05/08 Karen



A nice early morning run from the community centre along the footpaths and back the same way - didn't fancy getting my feet wet.




09/05/08 Sarah

Ran out from Aboyne on the S side of the Burn along the track past the sewage treatment works and then along the bank of the Dee. Crossed the Tarland Burn at its mouth (the water is still above knee depth) and then returned through Bell Wood. A very pleasant little run.


02/03/08 Dave and Kathy
After this mornings exertions, we took a gentle walk down here. Walked through the Bell Wood then along the ILPH track beside some nice old alder carr beside the burn. I'd never been here before - it's a very nice spot, and would be even nicer in spring.











05/02/08 Gary

Missed Tuesday intervals and took a steady run to this challenge point. It was further than I thought but a nice run (except past the sewage works!) I jumped over some water and ended up at the actual mouth. It was dark but there is a white metal stake in the ground near the mouth.


03/02/08 Evelyn and Derek

Our last run of the day - its been a bit like interval training - and we are starting to peg out a bit. We are at the grid ref but about 100 metres from the actual mouth, so go exploring, but its very boggy and marshy - you decide.