West of Lairig Ghru  

Getting there
From Braemar, drive west to the bridge over the Linn of Dee and the car-park just beyond. It's £2 to park here - the environmentally friendly toilets are an experience !

Beinn Bhrotain
Walk or cycle back to the Linn of Dee, then continue along a fine track for 4.5km to White Bridge. The NTS in their wisdom have decided to improve the path on the eastern side of the Dee, yet remove the track on the western side and replace it with an un-cyclable path. Why ? If you've cycled in, then leave your bike by the bridge. Head up the western side of the Dee for 3km to cross a burn. From here the track used to continue north, however the NTS have removed it completely. Previously I would have continued on a bike for a further 3km, then headed due west to the summit of Beinn Bhrotain. Now however, from the end of the path, its more enjoyable to cross the burn and head west-north-west on a soggy path in the direction of Carn Clioch-mhuilinn. The path gradually improves as it cuts through the heather. From Carn Clioch-mhuilinn, descend north-west on a path to a flat wet area, then climb 300m over easy ground to reach the large cairn on Beinn Bhrotain's summit. This is a fine summit, but is eclipsed by the grander peaks immediately north.

Monadh Mor
After the easy trudge up to Beinn Bhrotain, the pink boulders that have to be descended next come as a bit of a shock. Due to the size of these, the path is not obvious, so careful navigation is needed in mist. Just above the 1000m contour, the boulders are left behind and the path continues to the sharp bealach. Initially steep up the other side of the col, the path continues north-west uphill, then becomes pretty faint as the ground flattens - carefully navigation in mist will again be required - don't be fooled by a couple of small cairns off left (west). There's a little pile of stones on the minor summit Leac Ghorm, but the main summit of Monadh Mor (650m further on) has an obvious, though rather small cairn. Not a great hill, however the best is ahead !

Braeriach
From Monadh Mor, head north-west-north over grassy flat ground, then boulders as the descent steepens. As you're descending, start to turn north-east-north to aim for the 899m marked on the OS Landranger map. A couple of small burns are crossed at the watershed, then it's a long trudge up an ascent of 350m on easy grass covered hillside to reach the bouldery plateau of Carn na Criche (1265m on the OS map). Further on, the river heading out from the Wells of Dee needs crossed - this can be quite tricky in spate or winter. Also look out for a herd of 30 or so reindeer ! After crossing the river, the ground gets more boulder covered, though this indicates Braeriach's summit is not much further. The top is a spectacular place with a great view. The cliffs are dramatic, with snow that is said to linger all year round (though I doubt it in our current mild climate).

Sgor an Lochain Uaine
After you've taken in the views, return over the Wells of Dee to Carn na Criche, then follow the edge of the corrie down south, then south-east, then east to the bealach before Sgor an Lochain Uaine (The Angel's Peak). A path is followed on the easier ground, otherwise you've got to pick your way carefully over boulders. This munro was only promoted from top status in 1997, however, due to the ascent, the descent and the views it's well worthy of munro status.

Cairn Toul
From Sgor an Lochain Uaine's cairn, descend 120m south-east over boulders to the col. More boulders ahead on the short 150m of ascent to the cairn on the Cairn Toul's summit. Stunning views to Braeriach and Ben MacDui. There is another cairn 200m south - take your pick which is on the actual summit (I prefer the northern one).

The Devil's Point
Yet more boulders to descend south-west from the southern cairn to reach the gentle rise up to Stob Coire an t-Saighdeir. Just after the small cairn on this top, look for a faint path heading south-east, don't stick to the crest around Coire an t-Saighdeir. The path becomes more obvious as it crosses grass downhill. The Devil's Point looks tiny below, however once the wet bealach is crossed, there's a fair haul up a path and some boulders to reach its summit cairn. Quite a view south over the snaking Dee to the Glenshee hills and Lochnagar.

Return
Return to the bealach, then descend on a recently improved path to Corrour Bothy. Cross the Dee via a delicate metal bridge, then follow the path south. Shortly after the bridge, there is a faint split in the path. If you've cycled in, then take the right (west) fork on a wet path cutting through the grass and heather. Further on recent path work has dramatically improved what was a wet peaty route back to White Bridge. Pick up your bike to cycle back to Linn of Dee. If you've walked in, then it's easier (and drier underfoot) to continue on the more defined path around the base of Carn a'Mhaim to Derry Lodge. From there head south-east to the birdge over Lui Water and return to the car-park.