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Scotland 'Newtonmore 9' Day 1 - Friday, June 7
June 2024 - 10th Scottish Adventure Standard 7 days (click here for explanation)Dahlwinnie!
During my 9th adventure (on my way to Newtonmore) I drove through here
but now this was the, first, terminus!
Beautiful place again and as I walked around the corner toward my first sleeping spot
I immediately saw a nice reward if I were to get back on the train here a few days later
(a wonderful coffee stop!)
0 Munro’s this day:
Zero! so
In advance, of course, I have planned all the routes but the sleeping spots are not fixed.
I walk to a spot close to the starting point and see what would be a good place to pitch my tent; straight, out of sight but not too far from the trail.
Close to water and preferably even next to a babbling brook
or a, quiet, waterfall.
Funny that I write all this down when it often comes down to
I am happy when my tent is level.
In this case I had already seen on the map that there was a house near the parking lot
where the route starts but in practice this turned out to be a, wonderful, B&B.
So coming days, on the way to my little tent, I passed by a beautifully lit living room
with a big piano in it next to a big bookcase.
(didn’t peek inside for too long of course but I saw that while walking by after longing for my little tent, food and sleeping bag
the next few days after a long day of hiking).
Will no doubt sound jaded but I haven’t thought for a moment
‘if only I had booked a room in that B&B’
because nowhere do I sleep as well as in my tent.
Below is a picture of the B&B and at this the link.
(as a thank you for letting me sleep in the backyard, appropriately spacious of course! (see map), was allowed to sleep)
Most Beautiful Video
Of course I was still expecting snow but when I woke up on the morning of the 3rd day and suddenly
(the night before everything was still green) there was a pack of snow I thought it was very special.
Beautiful images!
Details
this day
1. First walk of this adventure
The photo is the road from Dahlwinnie station to the first place to sleep.
A9 is not shown but so it runs here to the left of the walking/cycling path.
To the right, between the water and the hill, runs the rails of the train and I always have to look myself in the arm when I am back in this beautiful country after a while. It is like being allowed to peek into a living viewing box while being fully part of the elements around you. Rain, sun, wind but above all the realization that it is a gift to be here every time!
2. A9
Being in Glasgow feels like coming home.
The hotel, the route to the train station, the outdoor shop where I buy my last things before going on an adventure. In Inverness I had to find my way again which of course only makes an adventure more fun. Hotel is even closer to the train station and on the way there several outdoor stores!
3. Train ride
From / to Glasgow is also now standard by train, sometimes by bus. This was another new experience with new, and familiar, stops which also made it more fun.
Click on the text and/or image below
to go to the relevant day!
Via this link will take you to the home page of this adventure.
Day 1
By train to Aviemore and deliberately did my shopping there.
Day 2
The first Munro.
Day 3
Tent leave (Sunday rest day!) for Munro 2 and 3.
Day 4
With full packs Munro 4 to then set up tent for Munro 5.
Day 5
Again with full packs a Munro to then ditch my pack for Munro 7.
Day 6
Walked into valley last night, pitched tent for a wonderful last day with 4 Munros.
Day 7
Last day hiked out of the valley to hike, via Rothiemurchus Lodge, back to Aviemore station.
First I ate a HUGE burger before taking the train to Inverness.
