Sgòr Gaoithe, Cromdale Hills

This is the short out-and-back to a windshelter cairn on Sgòr Gaoithe’s west ridge: about 2 miles round trip, roughly 250 m of ascent, and around 2 hours. A steady hill-track climb brings open views toward the Cairngorms and Strathspey. It suits a half-day when you want a compact hill walk and do not need to cross the full Cromdale ridge.

The small roadside layby is on the west side of the A939 near NJ 061 222, almost opposite an old, overgrown quarry. Cross the road carefully, walk left along the far verge, then turn right onto the Land Rover track. The way rises over open heather moorland; views toward the Cairngorms begin early.

A gate leads into a fenced area of native tree planting associated with nearby Lynbreck Croft. After another gate, the trees give way to open moorland again. This is a noticeable change in the landscape: the planted enclosure sits beside moor managed for grouse shooting.

Higher up, views back toward Grantown-on-Spey and Strathspey widen. The track gets rougher and steeper toward a conical shoulder with a small cairn, then eases for the short final stretch to the large windshelter cairn. This short route turns back there, just before the nearby 628 m high point; continuing along the fairly featureless ridge toward Creagan a’ Chaise makes a substantially longer walk. The open slope is exposed in poor conditions, so choose a settled day. Dogs are allowed under Scotland’s outdoor access rules; keep them under proper control around farm animals and wildlife.