Gellaig Ridge

The long, relatively gentle, heathery Gellaig ridge (high point, 743m) north of the Dee west of Ballater boasts, in our view, some of the best views in the Cairngorms: south to the dark drama of Lochnagar's line of vast cliffs, and west up the Dee valley past Balmoral to ridge after receding ridge of mountains; north across the beautiful bowl of the Gairn, which retreats into the roadless wilds of the central Cairngorms, with the great corries of Ben a Bhuird and the huge landmark tor of Ben Avon on the skyline. Eastwards,  you gaze straight down the Dee towards the sea; and south-east, Mount Keen's elegant pyramid dominates the skyline of the South Deeside hills. 

This is an unheralded delight: like so many amazing walks here, it is not in any book or website - we just thought it looked promising on the map. 

The ridge is accessed by 3 tracks from the magnificent C18 military road to the north, which was built after the '45 rebellion to help suppress the Highlands. Ie, you can make combinations of walks to suit your circs. A marvellous slow 3 hrs if making a shorter circuit.

SEE OUR CAIRNGORMS  PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION (INCLUDING PRACTICALITIES) ON AND OTHER GREAT WALKS IN THE AREA.