Get Lost Mountaineering

Hills of Cromdale: Creagan a' Chaise only from Lynebreck

Start/Finish

From Grantown-on-Spey follow the A95 for Keith. About a mile after crossing the River Spey, turn right on to the A939 road for Tomintoul. This is a high road and can be treacherous in winter conditions. Lynebreck is about 2 km beyond Lynemore. There is a layby to park in.

Distance/Time

13 km.      Approx 5 hours (add at least 1 hour under snow).

Peaks

Creagan a' Chaise, 722 m, NJ 104 242. OS sheet 36.

Introduction

In normal conditions, this is an easy walk over a gently undulating ridge to the southern high point of the Hills of Cromdale. The summit is an excellent viewpoint for the Cairngorms to the S. In winter conditions, this is a good route to practice winter skills on without too great a risk as there are no crags and no long run offs.

Route

(1) Walk E up the gentle ridge towards Sgor Gaoithe. On a clear day a cairn just below the summit is visible from the road. A low fence will have to be climbed over soon after the start. Head uphill shadowing a fence on the left and go through the gate above where a track is joined. This goes through the next gate and runs alongside some grouse boards for a while. The cairn seen from the road is soon reached and then the large shelter cairn on the summit of Sgor Gaoithe. On a clear day, the jubilee cairn on the summit of Creagan a' Chaise may just be visible. Continue E, on almost level ground, then a short ascent ENE leads to the flat topped Carn na Cloiche. Descend slightly, heading NE then ascend N to Carn Tuairneir. By now, on a clear day, the jubilee cairn should be in full view. Descend N then NE into a shallow dip then climb NE and E to reach the trig point and very large jubilee cairn which is the summit of Creagan a' Chaise, 722 m.

(2) Return by the same route enjoying the views of the Cairngorms on a clear day.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 19^th March, 2011 with deep snow on the ground.