Date: Fri, 23 June 2023

Time: 09:00 - 16:00

Cost: £7.00

Distance: 17 miles / 27.2 km

Grade: Challenging (info)

Leader: Mark Johnston

Dogs: Sorry, dogs are not allowed

Category: Challenging, Heritage, Walk

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Cromdale Hills from Avonside - Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival (moraywalkoutdoorfest.co.uk)

A moderately challenging and long hill walk taking in the full Cromdale ridge and visiting two large commemorative cairns on the western edge of Glenlivet Estate.

Join the Estate Ranger on a day’s hillwalking to this relatively unfrequented part of Glenlivet. Making our way from West Avonside, we’ll start big and ascend to the highest point in the Cromdales, Creagan a’ Chaise. At 722m this is classified as a Fiona which is a mountain in Scotland between 2000 & 2500 feet high – these were previously known as Grahams. Near the trig point at the top is a rather large Cairn built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

From there we will traverse the ridge also taking in the nearby Coronation Cairn, built to commemorate the crowning of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandria in 1902. On a clear day, the views from the ridge are excellent looking to the Cairngorms and across Speyside. We will continue to take in the lesser summits of Carn Eachie and Carn a Ghille Chearn before making a rough descent back towards Knock farmhouse and onwards to the Car Park.

This walk will hopefully provide opportunities to see moorland birds and deer while crossing typical northeast Scotland hill and moorland territory.

The terrain will be a mix of rough track and heather moorland, involve some steep climbs and take us into a remote, exposed country. Please be prepared with appropriate clothing and plenty of food and water. A reasonable level of fitness and the knowledge that you are able to handle this type of terrain is required.

This is a full-day lengthy hill walk with steep terrain. It is essential participants wear or carry suitable clothing that reflects the potential weather. Items to be considered include multiple layers, waterproofs, sturdy walking boots, hats, gloves, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Sufficient food and liquid should also be carried for at least seven hours in the hills.

There are no toilet facilities at the start/end point or on the walk.