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.

Mayar and Driesh

Mayar and Driesh
Mayar [NO241738, 928]
Driesh [NO271736, 947]
OS map : 43
start : Glen Clova Car Park.
gridref : NO139832
summary : Glen Clova - Mayar - Driesh - Glen Clova
distance : 13.0km.
ascent : 900m.
time taken : 5hr. 40min.

These two hills sit high above the angus glens giving good views to the south, over to the Sidlaws. Very impressive hills especially from Glen Clova with the crags surrounding the coires.

There is a car park (payment needed) at te end of Glen Clova. Can get busy in summer.

From the car aprk follow the track on the north side of the river. This leads to bridge across the river and then contiue following the track. This follows, steepy, a rive deep into the coire. The track does become a path later on as it climbs higher into the coire. As the route exits the forest there is a fantastic view of the corie and the steep back wall. This is where the route leads. Continue following the track up and through the crags, easier than it may seem, to break through to the open slopes. Continue south directly to Mayar summit over boddy land. (6.0kms. 700m. 3hrs. 10min.)

Descend east to the Kilbo Path and once this is met, continue climbing steepl east to the summit of driesh. Make sure the rocks are kept to the left, north , side. The summit of Driesh is marked with a trig point. (3.0kms. 200m. 1hrs. 20min.)

Descend west, retracing the route, back to the Kilbo Path. Now follow this path through the rock band and down the east side of the ridge before entering the forest again. Continue through the forest back to the car park. (4.0kms. 00m. 1hrs. 10min.)