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Geal Charn from Spey Dam via Glen Markie and Piper's Burn

Geal Charn from Spey Dam via Glen Markie and the Piper's Burn

Start/Finish

The Spey Dam about 2 miles down the minor road which runs east from Laggan Bridge on the A86 Spean Bridge to Newtonmore road. The track to the dam goes straight ahead when the road swings left to cross the river. There is space for parking close to the dam. If that is not available, stay on the road, cross the river and park just after the first right bend on the right of the road by a small gate. Do not park in the passing place near the bridge.

Distance/Time

17 km    About 6 hours

Peaks

Geal Charn, 926 m, NN 561 988.    OS sheet 35.

Introduction

This is a high moorland hill which gives an easy day although the going can be very boggy on the approach and lower slopes. The Markie Burn can be difficult to cross in spate. If this is the case, there is a footbridge about 500 m upstream from where the burn would normally be crossed. This is difficult to spot from distance but is just behind the only trees seem upstream. The bridge is where the track coming down the glen drops to the side of the burn and is at about NN 588 982 (not checked with GPS).

Route

(1) Walk up the obvious track heading N up Glen Markie. After about 4 km, the tributary known as the Piper's Burn is equally obvious which flows eastwards into the Markie Burn. Ignore any small cairn and continue a little further until a rough track leaves the main track and slants down to diagonally cross the burn. Once across, leave this track and locate a path shadowing the Piper's Burn up towards a waterfall. Follow this path which is quite distinct in places. When the burn splits, the path follows the right fork and soon after becomes less distinct. Head roughly W and ascend easy grassy slopes on to the NE ridge of Geal Charn. Turn roughly SW and walk up easier grassy slopes passing two small cairns which might be mistaken for the summit in thick weather. If the path on the crest is indistinct it soon improves. When the angle eases, other paths cross your path diagonally. Soon, a very large cairn, about 3 m high, is reached which marks the summit of Geal Charn, 926 m.

(2) Return by the same route, taking care in mist when leaving the summit plateau.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 8th August, 1989, and 25th July, 2013.

(b) A better walk is to ascend by the above route then descend to Garva Bridge. This route is described separately as the Geal Charn Full Traverse.

(c) Another better route is to ascend via the steep corner of Beinn Sgiath then either descend to Garva Bridge as in (b) or descend via the N and E ridge of Geal Charn which is described separately as Geal Charn via Glen Markie and Beinn Sgiath.

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