THE mountains that soar high above the A9 at Drumochter offer a great way to get quickly far away from the mundane everyday world. Some say the hills are rather boring, lacking rocky pinnacles and ridges, but I say the people who think this are rather lacking in imagination.
For me, getting out into the great outdoors is all about feeling good. Yes, that can mean a dramatic ridge walk or a scramble up a rocky slope. But it can also mean having the chance to stride out along a high level plateau with views extending acros
s the country for miles around, which is exactly what this walk offers.
Admittedly, the estate track that leads you up above the 3,000ft mark is very definitely man-made, but this means your passage has been made easier, leaving all the more energy for enjoying the panorama. The track demands less effort than a normal path, but the walk is a longish haul so take your time and enjoy the views across the A9 to A' Mharconaich and Geal-charn. As you gain height, the massive bulks of Ben Alder and Aonach Beag come into view, as does the end of Loch Ericht.
Once you reach an old quarry and begin walking along a broad grassy ridge, a true feeling of space greets you as a seemingly never-ending series of glens and rolling mountains lie away to the east. This is not boring. Look out here for ptarmigan as well as golden plover – they are the ones that sound like a creaking gate.
The going is easy underfoot in most places, with the exception of some punishing patches of bog. A couple of miles further on, you will reach the cairn marking the 3,087ft summit of Carn na Caim.
The mountain that is most obvious is Meall Chuaich, just east of north, with the Cairngorms beyond. Munro-baggers would include A'Bhuidheanach Bheag in the route but this would add significantly to the amount of effort and energy needed – and not only that, the best views are from Carn na Caim.
It's best to return the same way as you came, enjoying the view across to Ben Alder and Aonach Beag as you go. As you are in high mountain country and the route is rough and often very boggy underfoot, be fully equipped for a day on the hills. Finding your way can be difficult in mist or low cloud so make sure you also have a map and compass (and know how to use them).
DISTANCE 8½ miles. HEIGHT CLIMBED 1,930ft. TIME 4 to 5 hours. MAP OS Landranger 42.
PARKING Heading north on the A9, park in layby 87, on the left-hand side about two thirds of a mile before the turn-off to Dalwhinnie. Coming from the north, it is the first layby on the right after the Dalwhinnie turning.
IN SUMMARY Head north up the A9 for about 50 yards, and on the other side go through a large metal gate to follow a track. This passes below a high-voltage electricity wire and through a belt of trees to reach a second gate .
On the other side, the track continues across open country to go right up to an old quarry (now little more than a large patch of quartzite) at about 2,900ft. Just after this, follow a smaller track going off to the left. Drop down a little to ford a small burn, then follow the track – running roughly parallel to old metal fence posts.
After dropping down again, the track goes up to the left, but you should continue by the fence posts, which turn right after gaining a little height. Walk uphill and as the fence posts go right again, then veer left to reach the top of Carn na Caim and its cairn. Retrace your steps to return to the start.
REFRESHMENTS The inn in the centre of Dalwhinnie is very modern and has an extensive menu. Alternatively, head south on the A9 and stop at the House of Bruar. As well as selling any kind of knitwear you could think of, it also has a great café. It may the sort of place that you would usually only go to find a good travel rug but it also dishes up the poshest pork pie and chips to be found.
WHILE YOU ARE IN THE AREA Dalwhinnie Distillery (
www.discovering-distilleries.com, 01540 672219) has tours and a shop.
