Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The
Lairig Ghru trail
, which can take eight to 10 hours, is a demanding 24-mile walk from Aviemore through
the Lairig Ghru pass (840m) to Braemar. An alternative to doing the full route is to make the six-hour return hike
up to the summit of the pass and back to Aviemore. The path starts from Ski Rd, a mile east of Coylumbridge, and
involves some very rough going.
Warning - the Cairngorm plateau is a sub-Arctic environment where navigation is difficult and weather condi-
tions can be severe, even in midsummer. Hikers must have proper hill-walking equipment, and know how to use a
map and compass. In winter it is a place for experienced mountaineers only.
LOCH MORLICH
Six miles east of Aviemore, Loch Morlich is surrounded by some 8 sq miles of pine and
spruce forest that makes up the
Glenmore Forest Park
. Its attractions include a sandy
beach (at the east end).
Sights & Activities
The park's
visitor centre
at Glenmore has a small exhibition on the Caledonian forest and
sells the
Glenmore Forest Park Map,
detailing local walks. The
circuit of Loch Morlich
(one hour) makes a pleasant outing; the trail is pram- and wheelchair-friendly.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Glenmore Lodge
(
www.glenmorelodge.org.uk
)
One of Britain's leading adventure sports training centres,
offering courses in hill walking, rock climbing, ice climbing, canoeing, mountain biking
and mountaineering. The centre's comfortable
B&B accommodation
(tw £54-74)
is
available to all, even if you're not taking a course, as is the indoor-climbing wall, gym and
sauna.
WILDLIFE PARK
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
(
www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk
;
adult/child £10/5)
The warden here will take you on a
tour to see and feed Britain's only herd of reindeer, who are very tame and will even eat
out of your hand. Walks take place at 11am, plus another at 2.30pm from May to Septem-
ber, and 3.30pm Monday to Friday in July and August.
Loch Morlich Watersports Centre
WATER SPORTS
