Outstanding panoramic views from Creag Bhalg in the Cairngorms

Hill/Walk: Creag Bhalg
Category: Graham
Height: 668m
I am amazed yet again at how a so called ‘modest hill’ can produce such outstanding views as Creag Bhalg did today and for such little effort.

Victoria bridge

An early morning cycle, in very windy conditions, dictated a slightly lower route for the good lady. She was a bit feart of the ski chair lift in these winds.
We started the walk by crossing the Victoria Bridge, where an estate worker informed us that it was getting a full refurbishment in the near future. Then taking the track to Mar Lodge Estate.

Mar Lodge

Passed the Mar Lodge buildings and across the tarmac road (Linn of Quoich road) to an obvious track. 

Track starts here

A bit boggy at the beginning, well wet, but a very well maintained route that has a very gradual incline. As you climb there are excellent views below of the River Dee and the lower grounds and the tracks heading into Glen Ey as well as the hills beyond. Plenty of colourful insect life, a few butterflies and some mini sized frogs, wonder if they are full grown?

Cairngorm giants appear

After half a mile or so you join in with the hills alternative tracks from Linn of Dee and Linn of Quoich. Just go straight ahead to the obvious track that continues your line.
More trees than bracken and the Cairngorm biggies started to come into view. I love these natural Caledonian pine trees, what a great landscape.

Turn right soon

After another half a mile or so there is a singular old post on your left and soon after an obvious track cuts into the right, heading for the dead tree. 

Clear way marker

Stop frequently and take in the views of Ben Macdui and all its mighty Cairngorm neighbours. The track continues up to the top passing a solar panel structure, feeding what?

Cairn

The cairn comes into view, obvious on your right, flat top walking, slightly boggy but who cares, all you are doing is looking around at the stupendous views. 

Beinn a Bhuird massif

What a spot, what a 360 degree panorama for an hours effort, breathtaking. 
So glad to be fit enough to see this all for real, no snaps will do it justice. The mass of Beinn a Bhuird, what a bulk and the tors of Ben Avon. Looking around apart from the previous mentioned hills there is Lochnagar, Morrone and many others.

Track back to treeline

A great place to spend some time taking it all in before heading back down the same way we ascended.

River Dee below

I really enjoyed that little outing, no doubt coffee and cake now on the agenda.

River Dee from bridge

Finishing line

Wildlife: Meadow pipit, Dunnock; Grey Wagtail; House Martin; Minature frogs, Small bordered fritillary.
Time: 2.30
Ascent: 1062ft (360m)
Distance: 3.92m (7.3km)