The Gaick Pass

This deep glacial valley runs south-north from Dalnacardoch to Kingussie, a distance of approximately 20miles. At its southern entrance, two steep sided hills sit like gatekeepers to the pass. Today I cycled to their foot, and climbed both.

Although the southern half of the glen is empty, save for the odd abandoned croft, and a ruined shooting lodge, the northern half is a lot more 'civilised' with even some tarmac. I saw no-one all day, just red grouse, deer, mountain hare and several frogs. Oh and some sheep. There is a good track all the way through though, and can probably be seen disappearing into the distance on the large image.

On my return to the lower ground, I found a plunge pool in the river and had a swim before freewheeling the 6 miles back to the A9.