From Angus in the south to the farmland of Moray in the north, the forests, moors and lochs of North-East Scotland lead upwards to a vast plateau of tundra studded with glacier-carved corries and glens - the Cairngorms. Here, across an expanse of 8,000 square kilometres, lie not only several of Scotland's best and highest Munros but a wealth of Corbetts, Grahams and many other outstanding hills, each distinct in character. This hillwalking guide is a paean to the wonder of these mountains and their surrounding uplands, amongst whose nooks, crannies and sweeping plains newcomers and aficionados alike will find inspiration for journeys of all lengths and a bewitching sense of space and timelessness. Route descriptions for all the listed and notable hills are accompanied by colour maps, and sublime imagery showcases the region in all its moods. With their unique climate, geology and habitats, these hills teem with the histories of countless bygone land dwellers, climbers, walkers and wildlife, and you will also find extensive insight and points of interest to deepen your understanding and appreciation of this remarkable corner of Scotland.

The new Scottish Mountaineering Club guide to the Cairngorms and North-East Scotland is a visual feast that has introduced me to new areas for walking.

This is a visually very attractive guide, from the superb cover photo to the many other excellent pictures, maps, double-page spreads, and nice layout. The Scottish Mountaineering Club guide to the Cairngorms and North-East Scotland by Anne Butler, Heather Morning and Iain Young is a visual feast. Beyond this it is a good read, and I have enjoyed many walks and journeys from the comfort of my armchair both to familiar areas and places I do not know.

Useful and interesting details of human history, geography, natural history, and folklore crop up throughout the book and help to enliven the descriptions of walks. In fact, the amount of detail contained in this book is impressive. The book took the authors five years from planning to publication and the tremendous time and effort put into it shows.

Who is it for? It will undoubtedly enhance the enjoyment of the area for all walkers, mountain bikers and other hill lovers. It will serve the hillwalker who wants to delve more deeply into the area, those who want shorter walks for part days or easy days and those who want to explore beyond the lists of Munros, Corbetts, Donalds, Grahams etc. It will be equally useful to visitors and residents.

The book contains details of all the bothies and some of the howffs, and advice on reaching and using them. There is a chapter on Passes and Through Routes; good for backpacking or bike packing adventures and for less strenuous journeys through the hills. Finally, it finishes with a chapter on Long Distance Paths and Hill Rounds, the latter aimed at long distance fell runners. There is also an extensive bibliography for those wishing to explore any of the topics mentioned in more detail.

I can thoroughly recommend this book which excels at all levels except portability; at over 400 pages and medium-format hardback, it will remain safely in your car or accommodation while you set off to explore.

TGO Magazine

Ken Daykin 25 Nov 2024