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Walking the Big Hills of the Cairngorms

Ascent of Beinn Dearg

Beinn Dearg is a large hill sitting in a remote part of Perthshire north east of the A9 just south of Drumochter. Indeed this hill is a long way from the road and the use of a bike makes the long approach easier, and an even faster descent. The timing are for walking but will be considerably less for the cyclist.

The start is from the small village of Calvine which sits on the old A9 and so is quiet village. There is easy parking on the side of the old A9 just opposite the uphill track.

A long bike stretch first. Cross the A9 and start steeply up the track opposite. This follows the side of the forest and climbs Colig. Continue on, downhill at first, to Glen Bruar all the way to Bruar Lodge. Time now to get off the bike and walk. Lock the bike at the bridge just before Braur Lodge. Cross the bridge and climb up to reach the track at the top of the forest that surrounds Bruar Lodge. Follow the path south east to reach the main south ridge of Beinn Dearg. From this point climb the ridge, taking the right branch at around 900m. This path takes the walker to the summit. (16.5kms. 850m. 6hrs. 30min.)

The return by the uphill route. Retrace the route, taking the most eastern of the potential paths down. Follow the ridge down then steeply right to get to Bruar Lodge and back to the bike. The route back by bike - is fast. The annoying aspect is the short ascent at Colig (again). Once at the top it is a great downhill, making sure the brakes are firmly applied when the A9 is reached. (16.5kms. 100m. 5hrs. 0min.)

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