Muir Cottage to Derry Lodge (and back)
Date: Thursday 1st January 2015
Company: Myself, Ray, Sue, Ella, Drummond, Des and Shona
Distance: 14.2km, Ascent: 230m
Time: 3Hrs 45Mins
A forecast of "tortuous mobility, 70 - 90mph average wind speed with gusts in excess of 100mph" meant a low-level walk was in order. I opted to join a number of friends in a walk from Muir Cottage to Derry Lodge (and back).
I have walked from Linn of Dee to Derry Lodge more times than I can remember but have not done so since 2009.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
Muir Cottage:
River Dee:
Linn Cottage:
With significant rainfall during the previous twenty-four hours, the Linn of Dee was an impressive sight.
Linn of Dee:
Linn of Dee:
It was nice to walk the track in good company.
Walking the track to Derry Lodge:
The track from Linn of Dee to Derry Lodge forms part of the Lairig Ghru. Walking the Lairig Ghru is currently only possible when the Derry Burn is not in spate as the bridge near Derry Lodge was washed away in August 2014. There is however a long diversion from Linn of Dee via White Bridge to Corrour bothy.
Scot's Pine:
Lui Water:
Track to Derry Lodge:
Before visiting Derry Lodge we took a short detour to visit Bob Scott's bothy. There were several people inside celebrating the New Year and also several tents outside the bothy. It was nice to have a brief chat with the occupants.
Bob Scott's bothy:
Inside Bob Scott's bothy:
It is always sad to see Derry Lodge derelict and in disrepair. This building is owned by National Trust Scotland and hasn't been used since it was leased to the Cairngorm Club in the 1960s. It would be good if National Trust Scotland could fund repairing this building before it becomes beyond repair.
Derry Lodge:
A short distance beyond Derry Lodge we visited what remains of the bridge over the Derry Burn.
Remains of Derry bridge:
Hopefully this bridge will be re-built in the near future.
Derry bridge (taken 2009):
We returned to Muir Cottage via the same route.
Walking back:
