Creag Meagaidh; Carn Chuinneag; and Grantown Woods. 26 January 2025
Creag Meagaidh
We met in a snow filled carpark at Aberarder on a wintery Sunday morning. After a brief kit check they set off for Creag Meagaidh taking the foot path that led into Coire Ardair. There was a discussion about whether there was too much snow to climb out of the coire through Uinneag Coire Ardair (The Window). It was thought that we should be ok. The path was good but full of deep snow and team members took turns in breaking ground, some of it was very deep. Wendall shared valuable knowledge on the snow conditions and potential areas of risk from avalanches.
The group arrived at Lochan a’Choire and had a good discussion about ascending The Window. There was evidence of avalanche activity and small falls were taking place in the gullies. It was decided not to attempt the climb. Disappointing but the right decision. The mountain is not going anywhere.
Lunch was taken sheltering from a keen wind and the group made their way back to the carpark.
Despite not summiting it was a winter day well spent in the hills.
Taking part: Emma, Stella, Tom, Wendall, Jan and Martyn
Words: Martyn.
Pictures: Martyn and Stela.
Carn Chuinneag
Five of us met at the road end carpark by Glencalvie Lodge on Sunday morning after an icy drive along Strathcarron. Arthur, Anne, Jill, Moss (the dog) and two new members, Kieran and Karel set of in promising but chilly conditions up the beautiful Glen Calvie following the river through frosty birch and pine woodland. We stopped just above the Diebidale Shooting Lodge to watch two white tailed eagles being dive bombed by crows then turned off the track onto a beautifully crafted stalkers' path which zigzagged up the lee side of a broad shoulder. The path had icy patches and some drifts that slowed the dog up but made for relatively easy going.
After contouring below the first top we reached a shallow bealach. At this point Arthur and Karel made the decision to head down while the remaining three continued to the main summit with the dog. Fine views out to the East and West as well as a bite of lunch were enjoyed on the top in lovely calm, clear conditions. As we descended to the bealach again the visibility deteriorated and after navigating some deep snow and boulders we reached the second top fairly quickly.
A unanimous decision then saw us following our footsteps back to the stalkers path and descending the way we came. The long, tiring walk out was made enjoyable by good company and conversation, two beautiful ptarmigan on the path and several very tame deer. We arrived back at the carpark just as the light began to fade having had a great day on the hill.
Taking part: Jill, Anne, Arthur and prospective members Karel and Kieren
Words and photos: Jill and Arthur
Grantown Woods Walk
I thought I’d save time so I asked AI what I should write for our woods walk in Grantown. This is what they thought of it!
“One of the highlights of our walk was the serene beauty of the landscape. With the ground lightly dusted with snow, the woods appeared as a winter wonderland. Our steps crunched softly on the icy path, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the day. The path often meandered, revealing new vistas of the pine woods, and occasionally, we would catch glimpses of the distant mountains, their peaks covered in a fine layer of snow.” That is in fact pretty much correct but I guess it didn’t know what I was thinking so here goes.
A group of seven members assembled in Grantown for the 11.5 kilometre walk which is well described in Walk Highlands Anagach Woods and the River Spey, Grantown (Walkhighlands). On arrival in Grantown there was a slight dusting of snow and icy under foot conditions. The elevation of Grantown is 220 metres and the temperature difference was evident compared to Inverness.
I was interested in the history of the woods given my late father was a forestry researcher. The history of the community pine woods is described the_origin__history_of_anagach_woods-1.pdf in a fairly recent article. The woodland was originally part of the Seafield estate which is an extensive estate associated with the Grant and Ogilvie families dating back to the 1300s. Seafield estates sold the forest to the Community Trust in 2002 for just under 1million.
The forest was originally planted in 1766 with seeds from the Abernethy Caledonian forest nearby. Prior to being sold to the Community Trust the forest was actively managed by Seafield estates. However, when trees were cut down, natural regeneration I was allowed and this was found to be quite effective. They also in time found that there was no need to thin the trees as trees themselves adapted and a natural thinning process occurred. All this makes the woods an interesting place for research in forestry and the process of rewilding. This model of community ownership is evident elsewhere e.g. Assynt and Knoydart. It will be interesting to see going forward how ancient woodlands like these can be preserved and how they can run alongside the need for timber in the UK. The UK currently imports 80% of their timber requirement so there is need for economically sustainable forestry too.
On viewing the river Spey there was talk of swimming but given the state of the river and the temperature this was not the day for it. The looped walk then continues along the river Spey on the less substantial but pleasant path. Eventually the path brings you to the old military Rd which was built in 1745. At this point the route turns away from the river and brings you back in a direct line to Grantown on Spey.
The path through the woods is well marked by thistle markers and is part of the Speyside Way to Cromdale. The path weaves in and out through the forest and plaques mark the trail and, in particular, where the Capercaillie can be seen. Unfortunately, on the day of our walk there were no sightings of the capercaillie. The path is well maintained and suitable for families and, probably in most part, people in wheelchairs. As we approached Cromdale we could hear the ringing of the Church of Scotland bell. On reaching the river Spey we found a convenient spot for a break.
Taking Part: Mairi, Catherine, Maz, Ewen, Michael, Jim Words: Mairi Photos: Maz
There was much discussion about economic state of the country and the possibility of getting a cup of tea in the Highlands after lunch. After much consideration, it was decided we should make a deviation by car to Nethy Bridge to seek out good coffee and cake to round off a pleasant afternoon. While not a mountain walk, this walk has historic and natural interest and is worth the effort. It also suggests possibilities for cycling and we also passed several enthusiastic trail runners. So, while my AI assistant is good for a general overview and likes beautiful scenery too, it didn’t know what I was thinking and didn’t see the trail runners either.