Description
The landscape and the journey
Ronald Turnbull explores Scotland’s great mountain plateaux alongside pinewoods, rivers and gentler valleys between Speyside and Deeside, including Lochnagar. Use Aviemore, Braemar or other bases to build a flexible walking holiday.
Routes and itinerary options
Routes cover approximately 2–42 kilometres, from lowland outings and smaller hills to summits and selected scrambles. Eighteen Munros include alternative ascents of Ben Macdui, Cairn Gorm, Braeriach, Cairn Toul and Lochnagar. Lairig Ghru offers a classic longer crossing.
Maps and practical planning
1:50,000 or 1:100,000 maps accompany grades and terrain descriptions. Bothies, access, seasons, accommodation, transport and practical planning support choices from different bases. Use the route information to compare stages, plan your stops and check practical arrangements before departure.
Choosing the right trip
Lower walks and long plateau journeys demand different preparation. Wind, snow, distance and poor visibility can make high-level navigation critical; the hardest routes require substantial experience. Choose an itinerary that fits your experience and available time, allowing flexibility for weather and local conditions.
About this edition
English-language guidebook by Ronald Turnbull. Second edition published in 2017, with subsequent reprints. 320 pages. ISBN 9781852848866.
