Ballater Walking Festival - Carn A Mhaim Via Derry Lodge - Strong Walk - Bridge Street

CARN A MHAIM via DERRY LODGE
Strong Walk - MUNRO

Depart from Green Hut Ballater at 8am by bus. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Approximate Distance 22.3km (26km if ridge is included)
Approximate Ascent 750m
Approximate Walking Time 7-8 hours (8-9 hours if ridge is included)
Landranger Map no. - 43

DESCRIPTION
Starting from Linn of Dee, the southern gateway to the Cairngorm massif, we will walk to Derry Lodge through beautiful pinewoods and open areas, which offer fantastic views of the Cairngorm mountains. After continuing past the old shooting lodge, which is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, we will follow the Luibeg burn before crossing it and starting our ascent to Carn a Mhaim, on good paths. The first summit at 1014m is bypassed, with the true summit at 1037m being reached shortly thereafter. On a clear day the views from the summit are excellent, particularly of Devils Point and Cairn Toul. Depending on weather conditions, we will either retrace our steps on the return route, or follow the long ridge north, before dropping down to the Lairig Ghru near Corrour Bothy. This option will add 3-4km to the route.

TERRAIN Good paths, rough in places, with steep sections. If the return walk includes the ridge, the ascent to the Lairig Ghru is steep and pathless for approximately 1km before rejoining good paths. Poles required.