Gaick Pass, Dalnacardoch - Tromie Bridge, or In Reverse: Part 2

For the complete route you will also need to download Walk 5230 (Gaick Pass, Dalnacardoch - Tromie Bridge, or In Reverse: Part 1).

This route was traditionally one of the ways between the Highlands and the Lowlands. When the government road took over the route through Drumochter Pass (now the A9), the Gaick provided a free alternative to the Government toll road. It could be more risky as it was often the route of choice for those preferring to avoid the Government's representatives. Slightly shorter than Drumochter, this route climbs only 30m more but passes through a relatively narrow glen occupied by a loch at its summit.

The Gaick can be walked in either direction (described and illustrated north-bound and south-bound); both are equally good. It is also very suitable as a mountain bike expedition. Indeed, Sustrans proposed the Gaick as an alternative for National Cycle Route 7 when it was being planned. Fortunately this was abandoned, as road bikes would fare poorly on the rough estate tracks and along the narrow path beside the loch.

There is often bad weather to contend with, floods and deep fords and that is just in summer. In winter, the sheet ice, drifting snow, high winds and short days make this inadvisable for a one-day expedition.

Please also note that there is no mobile phone reception on most of this route.

Scotland - Highlands and Islands - Highland - Cairngorms

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Walk id: 5486

Walk grade

Mountain Challenge

Length

19.9 Miles

Height gain

271 Metres

Duration

8 Hours 27 Mins

Average rating

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