Another day off and another day out. That’s what this Helpx experience should be like. We are happy to work hard to earn our keep but it’s the well deserved days off that really make it all worthwhile.
We’d been given the Wednesday off and decided to return to the centre of the Cairngorms mountains and make an attempt on another Munro called The Cairnwell. Actually that wasn’t the main reason for our return, we’d seen the Glenshee chairlift at the ski centre previously and remembered that it was open throughout the summer. Who can resist a chairlift?
The Old Military Road
We covered the journey up to Glenshee along the Old Military Road in a previous post (Braemar and the Snow Road) but it seriously must be one of the worlds greatest drives. Also referred to as the Snow Road it climbs like a rollercoaster through mountains and past lochs from Blairgowrie right up to Glenshee where it becomes Britains highest road. We obviously drove in summer but it must be just as spectacular in the winter. What a drive that would be!
Glenshee Ski Centre
Our plan was to park at the ski centre and then get the Cairnwell Chair Lift all the way to the top before walking back down. The lift is open all summer and for £6 each one way a real bargain. There are actually over 20 lifts at Glenshee but the Cairnwell lift is the only one open outside of the ski season. I’m not sure how many people actually know that one of the lifts is open outside of the ski season as our hosts back in Pitlochry, Tina and Norman, certainly had no idea and as far as we know no other Helpxers had ever ventured that way.
The Cairnwell – our second Munro
In Scotland any mountain over 3000 feet is called a Munro and ‘bagging Munro’s’ is a very serious sport. We managed to climb our first last year at Schiehallion over near Aberfeldy (Schiehallion: How we bagged our first Munro) but The Cairnwell would be our second. A lot of serious ‘baggers’ don’t like this one as it’s not a huge climb from the high start point and the chairlift makes it very easy. Neither of us are that serious about anything so we happily ‘bagged’ it.
Our last chairlift was in Whistler (Alpine Adventures on Whistler Mountain) so it’s been far too long. The views as we headed up away from the ski centre towards the peak just got better and better and being the only people riding the lift made it feel even more special. There is something very special about the slow and steady climb of this chair lift and the quiet all around as you gently make your way up and over craggy peaks and rocky outcrops. Relaxing and exciting all at the same time.
It was an easy dismount at the top before a short climb right up to the top of The Cairnwell. Unfortunately they’ve built a few ugly-looking radio masts and shacks at the summit but they sort of gave it character and the views back down Glen Shee were breathtaking.
The Descent
Being a little overcast it was perfect weather for hiking so we set off across the ski fields and past smaller ski lifts and T-bars towards the neighbouring peak of Carn Aosda. It was fascinating to see all the ski runs with no snow and we stopped time after time to try and figure out which run might go where. So difficult with fences and poles and shacks all over the mountain.
As we wandered down the stoney path we saw only a handful of other walkers as the scenery changed with every turn we made. Stunning is the only way of describing it and we just had to stop and sit and enjoy our packed lunch. A fabulous location and so beautiful.
It took us just over a couple of hours to reach the car park but we continually wandered off-piste and got distracted by the views so I’m sure it could be done a lot quicker if you stepped out. Not really our style though. As we passed the lower ski lifts and huts we did wonder how this would look in the height of the ski season. How different would it be? Hundreds of skiers everywhere and lifts criss-crossing the mountains. So difficult to imagine.
The Wee House of Glenshee
All that was needed after such a fabulous climb was a visit to the quaint little Wee House of Glenshee located a few miles back down the Old Military Road before the Spittal of Glenshee. It’s a gift shop, a craft shop, a pottery shop, and a tearoom all rolled into one. So a couple of huge slices of cake and some coffee just couldn’t be resisted.
Another wonderful day out exploring more of this incredible country and with a week left before heading south we were hoping for maybe another opportunity to go somewhere new.
When the weather is this good there really aren’t many places in the world that can compare with Scotland.
17/07/2018
JWalking 
This looks like a great day out! The Cairngorms are stunning, aren’t they – I can’t wait to visit again! And Scotland is such a beautiful country to explore… providing the weather is good!
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Ah you’ve hit the nail on the head haven’t you Kate? It’s all about the weather in Scotland. Beautiful this year though for weeks on end. Maybe its changing permanently?
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Scotland has to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Rugged and wild it’s just so natural.
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So true but it gets a bad reputation because of the weather. Bit different this year though as it’s been so hot.
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Sadly that is true, its beauty and reputation is generally tainted by poor weather, but perhaps that adds to its natural charm.
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It means you make the most of the good days and appreciate them even more.
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Absolutely!
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I love that drive. Took it every now and again when I used to live in Aberdeen. So many awesome hikes from along it.
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It’s a wonderful road isn’t it? Would love to try it in winter although you would need a 4×4 with snow tyres, bet that would be amazing.
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Wow ! I never knew there was skiing in Scotland. Almost had a house sit there but then a big change came into the lives of the people I was going to sit for. So it fell thru. Still looking.
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There a a couple of huge ski centres in the Cairngorms, skiing is quite a big deal up there. Hope you can find another sit up there.
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Looking forward to visiting Scotland- looks like there are great hikes and fantastic scenery. Don’t blame you for ‘bagging’ the Munro! How many are there to bag?
Thanks for sharing your experiences🤗
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I think there are over 300 Munros so at our current rate of one a year we’ll be visiting for a while longer. It’s a wonderful country. Thanks for the comment.
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300 – wow! Yes, might take a few years at that rate!😜
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Need to really pace ourselves. Also got the Corbetts, Donalds, Grahams, and Marilyns to consider!
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Gosh – good job you’re not avid collectors!🤣
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No we’re slow travellers and amateur mountain climbers. Some people are obsessive though. Lots of Munro climbing clubs up here and lots of people who try and do all 300 in the shortest time possible.
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Looks wonderful – and good weather, too! I agree, how can you resist a chairlift?
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Well we couldn’t but most others could. Not sure who the oddballs are?
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Nowhere quite like Scotland (our homeland) but I haven’t ever bagged any Munros. I have done chairlifts (Whistler too!) but I’ve had to overcome my acute fear of heights knowing it would be worth it for the views!
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Always worth facing your fears especially if it’s on a chairlift.
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I’d never get Ros on that chairlift. Shame as it looks brilliant . Cracking day out. Would you still have gone up if it was a bit blowy like a normal Scottish day?
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It was just so different. It might have been even better if it had been a cold windy Scottish day. We were going up whatever!
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I always heard that midges were a complete pain in summer weather in Scotland, Jonno. Doubt you’d be troubled up there! 🙂 🙂 How strange they keep that one going- it can’t be cost effective, can it, but great for you guys that they do!
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Everyone tells horror stories about midges but we’ve hardly been bothered by them at all thanks goodness.
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Stunning photos, a real, wow! factor. and definitely the chair lift was the way to go. Apologies for taking so long to read this. I’ve been a little behind in my reading. Pleased to have caught up on this one now.
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It was absolutely breathtaking Chris, a brilliant trip. Would recommend it to anyone visiting the Cairngorms.
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If e er I find myself up in that neck of the woods I shall remember that.
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