Head of the Don Valley

From lonely Corgarff castle, built as part of the Highland suppression after the '45 rebellion, the Aberdeenshire Cairngorms' beautiful northern Don valley winds westward  between boggy fields into the rounded heathery hills of the eastern Cairngorms, with old crofts on its flanks for the first few miles. It then disappears into pure heather to reach its watershed with the beautiful Glen Avon, at the point where it turns westward to run into the high grand Cairngorms.

From the low Ruigh Speanan hill to the south, above the spring where the Don commences life, you have a wonderful view along the Avon glen receding into the blueing ridges. It is really extraordinarily pretty.

It is also easy walking, hence it was a trade route for centuries. The first hour is up an estate road past various little steadings to a stream junction. From there, you're on excellent  tracks the whole way. 

4-4.5 hours walking return. Approximately. 

IDEAS AND PHOTOS WELCOME!

SEE OUR CAIRNGORMS PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION (INCLUDING PRACTICALITIES AND PHOTOS) ON AND OTHER GREAT WALKS IN THE AREA.