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A
Short Walk in the Southern Cairngorms
If
there is a defecit of pain in your life then this could well be
the river that you have been looking for. In fact the term 'river'
is applied quite loosely here, and the trip described below is perhaps
more about getting to and from the river as it is about the paddling
itself.
Should
you feel the need to indulge yourself you will find that the paddling
provides a welcome diversion in the middle of your day.
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Allt
an Dubh Loch
The Allt
an Dubh Loch was created for people who have nothing better
to do.
Hidden
away in the middle of the mountainous wilderness that is the
Southern Cairngorms, the burn linking Dubh Loch with its larger
and lower neighbour Loch Muick, falls 250 metres in just 2.5km.
We'll leave the sums to you.
As well
as being steep, this burn is in the sticks. Access requires
a long drive to the carpark at Spital of Glenmuick. If upon
your arrival it is not slinging down rain and blowing a gale
it is not really worth going any further.
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Enjoy
the paddle - because you've got it all to look forward to
again before bedtime!
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If you
conditions are making you think that perhaps you'd rather
stay in the car, then congratualtions, the run'll be in perfect
condition - You just have to get there!
Anyone
who undertake an expedition of this calibre without a thorough
warm up is asking for trouble, so be grateful that there is
a 1.5km carry from the carpark to the first chance to get
wet. Try not to look suspicious as you pass the ranger's hut,
and make your way towards the northern end of Loch Muick.
If you find that you have a tail wind on this section then
you're in trouble. The weather is obviously coming from the
wrong direction and you has may as well go home.
The 4
km paddle along Loch Muick gives you a chance to practice
your forward paddling-plenty in fact as it'll probably be
'two strokes forward, one stroke back' if the wind is right
especially in a short creek boat. Sea kayaks and the Alt an
Dubh Loch are not compatable.
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Two and
a half hours later should find you past the Royal Lodge at
Glas-Allt-Sheil and landing at the far end of the loch, ready
for a 2.5km carry with 250m of vertical height gain. You may
notice a strange symmetry with these figures. Don't worry
- it means you have good Feng Shui!
Begin
the climb. If experience is correct, it should be windier
and wetter up here than at the car park. Try not to be blown
over the edge of the path, paricularly on the low side, as
this hurts. We've tried it.
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We'll
leave the paddling for you to discover, but a skateboard may
come in handy at times. the pictures here should give you
an idea.
Top
tips include...
Wear
good footwear, it's a long carry and you'll have to inspect
a lot!
Be prepared
for almost anything.
It would
be a really good idea to take some kind of emergency provisions
(perhaps you could stash a hot drink and some food by the
loch).
A first
aid kit is a must.
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Forget
the mobile phone, you'd be better off shouting.
The
return trip is too painful to mention...
...but
should be quicker if the wind is still blowing!
Paddlers:
Malcolm McIntyre & Charlie Leppard
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