Ground Conditions: The end of June was really hot - a heat wave. The view of the northern coirres from Aviemore is predominantly green with a few snow patches; as is the case with Braeriach and other hills with high corries. On the other side of Cairngorm in Ciste Meard there are deep snow fields some 10m deep in places. These patches may last out the year! [July 2026]

Ascent of Geal Charn

Geal Charn lies in the Monaliath, remote from the other Munros. The route is from Spey Dam just west of Laggan and up Glen Markie.

Follow the minor road west of Laggan and park at Spey Dam just as the road crosses the Spey. Good parking alongside the road.

From Spey bridge follow the track,initially west then over the dam and north up Glen Markie. Follow the track to the foot of Piper' Brun. Cross the Markie Burn and then follow up the hillside in a north westerly direction, keeping to the hillside east of the lochan to the main Monadliath ridge. Trun south west and follow the ridge to the summit. (7.5kms. 650m. 3hrs. 30min.)

The descent is usually by the uphill route as if a circular route is contenplated in wet weather the Markie Burn is difficult to cross. Follow the main ridge north east and then, when the rocks allow, turn south west to the Piper' Burn and down to the Marki Burn. Back to Spey bridge along the track.(5kms. 0m. 1hrs. 30min.)

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