Favourite walk – Beinn Mheadhoin from Coire Cas, Cairngorms

Favourite walk – Beinn Mheadhoin from Coire Cas, Cairngorms

Sarah, Scottish Mountain Rescue’s media volunteer, shares her favourite walk. 

There are so many walks in Scotland that are amazing and many I haven’t done yet, but one of my favourites is in the Cairngorms, over the summit of Beinn Mheadhoin from Coire Cas. Loch Avon basin is just one of the most spectacular places; the loch itself is stunning, and the combination of cliffs on all side, including the impressive rock of Shelterstone, and it feels truly remote. As well, there’s the amazing granite tors on the summit. If you’re feeling full of energy, you can take in some classic scrambles over Fiacaill ridge and Afterthough Arete too. I love this area of the Cairngorms, particularly in winter, where you can get spectacular snow and ice formations, especially when Allt Coire Domhain freezes, and the boulders and tors form amazing rime sculptures.  

I usually go for a walk every day, even if it’s as small as visiting my local pond or hill. It’s my favourite part of the day. Then I try and go for a half or full day walk once or twice a week, work permitting. Getting outside, whether it be walking, cycling, climbing, or swimming, makes me so happy and relaxed. I love looking at nature, the scenery, the wildlife. I also really enjoy the physical element of it, the journey, moving and getting tired afterwards. I really love overnight trips, waking up in the hills, cooking on a stove, having everything in your rucksack. And the snacks for fuel! My favourite walking snack is a bit odd- it’s called Kvikk Lunsj, a Norwegian chocolate wafer bar (kitkat) known as ‘hele Norges tursjokolade’ or ‘Norway’s hiking chocolate’ and the wrappers often have something printed on the inside like a route card for a walk, or the Norwegian fjellvettreglene– the ‘mountain code’. Other favourites include fruit cake, especially Christmas cake, which is excellent winter walking fuel.  

I love trying to spot wildlife on walks. Once, my dad and I were walking the red Cuillin on Skye, and when we got to the first summit cairn, there was a golden eagle sat on it! Another very memorable walk along the coast of Shetland, we saw a basking shark, they’re just amazing creatures, and massive! Scotland has so much amazing wildlife to offer; from otters and seals, to mountain hares, deer, ptarmigan and eagles. The wildlife and scenery are extra special when you can share it with friends and family. 

There are so many walks in Scotland that are amazing and many I haven’t done yet, but one of my favourites is in the Cairngorms, over the summit of Beinn Mheadhoin from Coire Cas. Loch Avon basin is just one of the most spectacular places; the loch itself is stunning, and the combination of cliffs on all side, including the impressive rock of Shelterstone, and it feels truly remote. As well, there’s the amazing granite tors on the summit. If you’re feeling full of energy, you can take in some classic scrambles over Fiacaill ridge and Afterthough Arete too. I love this area of the Cairngorms, particularly in winter, where you can get spectacular snow and ice formations, especially when Allt Coire Domhain freezes, and the boulders and tors form amazing rime sculptures.  

I usually go for a walk every day, even if it’s as small as visiting my local pond or hill. It’s my favourite part of the day. Then I try and go for a half or full day walk once or twice a week, work permitting. Getting outside, whether it be walking, cycling, climbing, or swimming, makes me so happy and relaxed. I love looking at nature, the scenery, the wildlife. I also really enjoy the physical element of it, the journey, moving and getting tired afterwards. I really love overnight trips, waking up in the hills, cooking on a stove, having everything in your rucksack. And the snacks for fuel! My favourite walking snack is a bit odd- it’s called Kvikk Lunsj, a Norwegian chocolate wafer bar (kitkat) known as ‘hele Norges tursjokolade’ or ‘Norway’s hiking chocolate’ and the wrappers often have something printed on the inside like a route card for a walk, or the Norwegian fjellvettreglene– the ‘mountain code’. Other favourites include fruit cake, especially Christmas cake, which is excellent winter walking fuel.  

I love trying to spot wildlife on walks. Once, my dad and I were walking the red Cuillin on Skye, and when we got to the first summit cairn, there was a golden eagle sat on it! Another very memorable walk along the coast of Shetland, we saw a basking shark, they’re just amazing creatures, and massive! Scotland has so much amazing wildlife to offer; from otters and seals, to mountain hares, deer, ptarmigan and eagles. The wildlife and scenery are extra special when you can share it with friends and family.