* IN THIS week's selection from his best-selling compendium, Scotland
the Best! 1994, Peter Irvine selects the best ''serious'' walks. None
should be attempted without Ordnance Survey maps, proper equipment and
preparation. Hill or ridge walking experience may be essential.
THE CUILLINS, SKYE: Much scrambling and, if you want it, serious
climbing over these famously unforgiving peaks. The Red ones are easier
and many walks start at the Sligachan Hotel on the main
Portree-Broadford Road. Glamaig, the conical one which overlooks the
hotel, has been climbed in 37mins. Most of the Black Cuillins including
the highest, Sgurr Alasdair (993m), and Sgurr Dearg, ''The inaccessible
pinnacle'' (978m), can be attacked from the campsite or the youth hostel
in Glen Brittle.
BEN NEVIS: Start on Glen Nevis Road 3km Fort William town centre by
bridge opposite youth hostel or take car along Claggan Industrial Estate
Road to the end at Achintee Farm (4km town). These starts lead to the
same ''tourist'' path which continues to the top. Allow the best part of
a day and I do mean the best -- the weather can turn quickly here. Many
people are killed every year, even experienced climbers.
THE FIVE SISTERS OF KINTAIL: Generally started from A87 along from
Cluanie Inn and walked east to west. An uncomplicated but inspiring
ridge walk, a classic which can be done on a single clear day, taking in
two Munros and two tops. Not as strenuous as it looks, though it's a
hard pull up and you descend to a point 8km further up the road (so
arrange transport). Many side spurs to vantage points and wild views.
GRAMPIAN WALKS: The mainly E-W routes through the mountains linking
river Dee at Braemar via the Linn of Dee with the great central Highland
river systems (the Spey). Approach from W and A9:
(1) GLEN TILT: starting at Blair Atholl about 35km of super Highland
scenery. Converges with routes below.
(2) GLEN FESHIE: from Feshiebridge (starting at the bridge); 40km.
(3) BLEN MORE FOREST PARK: from Coylumbridge and Loch Morlich; 32km. 2
joins 3 beyond Loch Morlich and both go through the Rothiemurchus Forest
and the famous LAIRIG GHRU, the ancient Right of Way through the
Cairngorms which passes between Ben Macdui and Braeriach. Ascent is over
700m and going can be rough. Going E-W is less gruelling and there's
Aviemore to look forward to!
* Extracted from Scotland the Best! 1994, published by Mainstream at
#9.99.
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