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.

Ascent of Geal-charn

Ascent of Geal-charn
Geal-Charn [NN596783, 917]
OS map : 42
start : Balsporran Cottage
gridref : NN625793
summary : Balsporran Cottage - Geal-charn - Balsporran Cottage
distance : 8.5km.
ascent : 480m.
time taken : 3hr. 30min.

The way passes Balnasporran Cottages

This way!

Snowfields to the top

the summit

Downhill along the valley

View down Loch Ericht


Geal-charn lies to the West of the A9 above Balnasporran Cottages. There is a track up the hill from the valley floor making for good walking. This route ascends the hill and then returns via the valley making for a pleasant round trip on good paths.

Start at Balsporran Cottage. There is a large carpark just off the A9.

From the car park follow the track past Balnasporran Cottages to the level crossing. Cross the railway here taking exceptional care. Once over, follow the track as it makes it's way up the valley. Ignore the first path junction up Allt Beul an Sporran but take the second track which goes straight up the hill. The track is easy to follow up the hillside to a post. From here the path is less distinct but the walker can follow the best route uphill along the ridge. The slope flattens towards the summit and then rises again as the main summit is found. The first cairn, which looks the highest is passed to make towards the main summit.(3.5kms. 480m. 2hrs. 0min.)

Descend steeply from the summit over more stony ground down the south ridge. from here there are good views up Loch Ericht and towards Ben Alder. Towards the col the stony ground gives way to more vegiation. A prominant path can be seen, at least in good visibility, that goes down the valley. When the path is met turn left and follow the path back down the valley. Soon the A9 valley comes into view and the track leads back to the start.(5kms. 0m. 1hrs. 30min.)

28 May 2021 A nice bright late spring day. Walked this route but the other way around. Once at the top of the pass the view over to Ben Alder and Loch Ericht is one of the best in Scotland. Still lots of snow on the high Cairngorms as seen from the summit. Very busy in the car park.