Tour Scotland, The Cairngorms

Running across Inverness-shire, Banff and Aberdeen, east to west and bounded by the Dee and upper Spey valleys, the Cairngorms comprise part of the largest high mountain area in the British Isles. The location is one of great natural beauty which of late has become one of
the nation’s premier vacation playgrounds, based on the famous Aviemore Centre. The mountains rise up to great peaks such as Ben Macdhui (4.296 feet), Braeriach (4,248 feet), Cairntoul (4,241 feet) and Cairn Gorm
itself (4,084 feet).

Its situation across the north-east bulge of Scotland is one of comparative isolation, for it is served by few roads and still fewer passes. The result is in an area unique for its unspoilt qualities with lochs, forests, mountains and hills combining to present a perfect setting. In its flora and fauna, also, the Cairngorm range is outstanding, its altitude giving range to many varieties which are outside normal British types.

The Cairngorms, which are really part of the Grampians, are roughly divided into two by the Lairig Ghru and by Glen Dee, the gorge formed by the river Dee as it falls down from the heights, flowing south-east and then east to Braemar. The central feature of the western group is
Braeriach, with Ben Macdhui on the eastern side. Best viewed from the Strathspey side, the north-facing slopes
of Braeriach rear up to form a plateau at an elevation of around 4,000 feet wherein are located a number of ice-cold springs known as the Wells of Dee, a source of
the river Dee which starts its long journey to the sea with a series of cascades into Garbh Choire 1,000 feet above the Wells. The most westerly corrie is An Garbh Choire Mor, the Great Rough Corrie, which is reputed to be one of the only places in the United Kingdom to contain a perpetual snow field.

To the south of this group is Cairntoul and south again the isolated outcrop of Devils Point (3,303 feet). To the west of Braeriach across lonely Loch Einich, is another southward running range of peaks containing Sgor an Dubh (3,635 feet), Sgor Gaoith (3,658 feet) and Carn Ban Mor (3,443 feet), terminating in Mullach Clach a Bhlair (3,338 feet), overlooking the Glen Feshie gap. Across
the river Eidart is Monadh Mor (3,651 feet), Ben Bhrotain (3,795 feet) and the Mar Forest.

A short distance from the Coire Cas car park, which is more than 2.000 feet above sea level, there are T-bar tows and a chairlift which can take up to 500 skiers an hour to the various Cairngorm ski runs from which they can choose. The top station is 3,656 feet up and here also is the Ptarmigan, Britain’s highest restaurant.

The eastern edge of the Cairngorms is marked by the mountain group that includes Ben Avon (3,843 feet), the North Top (3,924 feet) and South Top (3,860 feet) of Beinn a’ Bhuird and Carn Eas (3,556 feet).

The Cairngorms Nature Reserve extends over some 40,000 acres and is the largest of its kind in Britain, containing such rare creatures of the Highlands as
golden eagles, dotterel and ptarmigan. The National Forest Park is centred on Loch Morlich.

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