How long to walk the Lairig Ghru?

approximately 10 hours
A walk of 32km (19 miles) through the Lairig Ghru or Lairig an Laoigh, taking approximately 10 hours, into the remote parts of the Cairngorms is not to be underestimated. You will pass some of the most impressive scenery Scotland has to offer, full of history and with a diverse eco system.

Where does the Lairig Ghru start?

The best starting point is at the Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Park at Coylumbridge. Head through the gate and follow the lane through the first section of Rothiemurchus forest. When you reach a fork take the left hand path, signed for the Lairig Ghru, crossing the small river and onwards through various gates.

How tough is the Lairig Ghru?

The main challenges facing the backpacker or strong day walker, outside of winter, will be the rocky terrain, and storms. Wind speeds in the Cairngorms can easily exceed 90 mph in the Lairig Ghru, strong enough to pick up a walker and dash them onto rocks.

Where does the Lairig Ghru end?

The route and mountain pass partially lies on the Mar Lodge Estate. Like many traditional routes, the ends of the route through the Lairig Ghru are like the ends of a frayed rope. From the south the Lairig Ghru can be approached from Braemar though Glen Lui, or Glen Dee, and from Blair Atholl through Glen Tilt.

Can you walk from Braemar to Aviemore?

The mountain pass, the Lairig Ghru (Gaelic: Làirig Dhrù), cuts a stunning route through the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands, with various different start and finish points.

How long does it take to climb Ben macdui?

Route outline

Can you cycle the Lairig GHRU?

Lairig Ghru can give you an undiluted mountain bike experience that won’t be forgotten – so long as your body can take it!

Can you run the Lairig GHRU?

The route is 32km long and includes around 600 meters of ascent taking in some of the most inaccessible trail running in the UK. Whist the majority of the route is on well maintained trails, the highest section includes 5 km of rough rocky trail and boulder fields.

Is there a path up Ben Macdui?

The Cairngorm peak of Ben Macdui is the second highest mountain in Britain. This route can be done as either a straight out and return from the ski area or as a circular route enjoying some pathless terrain and superb views down Loch Avon. …

Is it hard to climb Ben Macdui?

This is Macdui from the East: the walking route runs along the ridge from right to left. It is not steep or difficult.

When should I climb Ben Macdui?

Ben Macdui (Beinn Macduibh) Care needed in strong winds and in winter conditions. In poor visibility good navigational skills are essential as it is easy to become disorientated on the featureless plateau. Between June and September, the Highland midge can really spoil your day if you are not well-protected.

How long does it take to climb Ben Macdui?

Where is the Lairig Ghru mountain pass in Scotland?

The Lairig Ghru (Scottish Gaelic: Làirig Dhrù) is one of the mountain passes through the Cairngorms of Scotland. The route and mountain pass partially lies on the Mar Lodge Estate. Like many traditional routes, the ends of the route through the Lairig Ghru are like the ends of a frayed rope.

Where do you start on the Lairig Ghru?

There are several possible start points for the Lairig Ghru on Speyside. The most popular these days is to start from the Sugar Bowl car park and to walk through the Chalamain Gap – an awkward boulder field – to gain the pass, but this omits the approach through Rothiemurchus Forest that helps to make the Lairig such a classic.

How tall is the peak of the Lairig Ghru?

It climbs to an altitude of 835 metres and crosses through the central Cairngorms, one of the wildest areas in the country, and is a true classic walk. It is described from Speyside to Deeside.

Is the Lairig Ghru a Grade 4 walk?

It is described from Speyside to Deeside. Clear paths for most of the distance, though these are lost amongst the stones on the very rough highest section. The Lairig is however a long walk through very remote and exposed terrain where help is a long way off and is often snow-bound in winter. This is a serious walk and hence is given Grade 4.