Map 4 -  Lairig Ghru to Glen Dee









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The path climbs steadily for just over 3 miles.  Towards the head of the pass sections of the path become difficult to follow and are increasingly technical, as it crosses a number of granite rock falls which consist of a variety of rocks from pebbles to huge boulders. In mid-summer the midge are particularly vociferous and if there is no breeze through the pass stopping for any longer than a few minutes can become quite a painful and uncomfortable experience, especially if you have blue blood like myself. The valley sides become very steep towards the head of the pass with Cairn Lochan to your left and Sron na Lairrige to your right. It tops out at 835m or 2740 feet, which is higher than most mountains in England.  The decent into Glen Dee is also technically difficult for the average walker. Just below the head of the pass  the Pools of Dee (crystal clear) emerge and to your left  water falls cascade  off Ben Macdui, the highest peak in the Cairngorms at 1295m or 4249 feet. The difficult decent continues for another two miles or so into the beginning of Glen Dee, then eases, following the contours of the mountains to your left and the River Dee to your right. A further one and a half miles down this path you will pass Corroar Bothy up to your right snuggling in Coire Odhar below the Devil’s Point.  Here take the path that leads to the bothy, but do not cross the river. Instead, just before the river, take the path to the left which runs parallel to it. The ground becomes somewhat boggy here and you may have to take numerous small diversions from the path to circumnavigate the many streams and marshy areas. A further mile or so down the valley the Geusachen Burn enters the River Dee.  If the sun is out and shining in the right direction the rock faces of this gorge-like valley reflect the sun’s rays as if they were mirrors.