CORVID-19 is still with us even though most restrictions have been relaxed in Scotland. The risks of infection are lower if outside, there is still a risk if mixing in large groups. Even so, please do not go out in the Cairngorms, or anywhere else, if you are showing signs of Corvid-19 and when out walking make sure you give people space - 1m at least and preferable 2m. Remember that if it feels too crowded then you can walk away and try somewhere else, the hills will still be there tomorrow. Also remember the MRT. They will come out to rescue you but they should not have to put themselves into danger from this virus.

A number of these routes start and finish at the main Cairngorm car park. Currently there is significant building work being undertaken in repairing the funicular. The site is fenced off to keep people out but there are routes across the work for walkers. Please keep out of this dangerous building site and follow the contractor's instructions.

An Sgarsoch and Carn an Fhidleir.

An Sgarsoch and Carn an Fhidleir.
Carn an Fhidleir [NN905842, 996]
An Sgarsoch [NN933836, 1006]
OS map : 43
start : Linn of Dee
gridref : NO065897
summary : Linn of Dee - Geldie Lodge - Carn an Fidleir - An Sgarsoch - Linn of Dee
distance : 35.5km.
ascent : 930m.
time taken : 12hr. 10min.

These hills are deep in the central and remote parts of the cairngorms. The route atarts along the Geldie Burn; once on the hills this is a pathless area, boggy in many places. Best kept to the long warn and dry summer days. the timings of this route are walking, using a bike along Geldie Burn can noticibly speed up the walk.

There is a large car park at the Linn of Dee that gives easy access to the Cairngorms from the south. Often busy especially in the good weather. Sitiuated at the Linn of Dee on the minor road west of Braemar.

These hills are a long way into the Cairngorms. The walker may like to use a bike for the approach. Cycle west from the Linn of Dee along the geldie Burn. The first noticible feature is white bridge that crosses the burn. A further 2km along there is a significant junction and the cyclist takes the right branch to Geldie Lodge where the track gives out. Time to lock the bike. Bike parked, the walker continues along the track as it climbs and contours around An Sgarsoch, until it finally stops. Now it is time to set off across the peaty and boggy ground making directly to Carn an Fidleir. The final part of the route is over grass and heather to the summit.(18.5kms. 630m. 6hrs. 40min.)

The best walking on this route is around the ridge between the two hills. Leave Carn an Fidleir by the SE ridge over point 906 to the bealach. From here climb the west slopes of An Sgarsoch to the summit.(2.5kms. 300m. 1hrs. 20min.)

The descent leads the walker to the end of the track on the norther slopes of An Sgarsoch. The best way is to walk north down the ridge towards Scarsoch Beag and turn left to avoid climbing the top and descend to the track finish. Now take the track back to geldie Lodge and the bike. The final part of the descent is by bike down the track, over white bridge and back to Linn of Dee. An exghausing day out on the hills.(14.5kms. 0m. 4hrs. 10min.)