Hi,

I'm contemplating the https://deesidetrail.com/route/ this weekend - does anyone have an insight on the current ground conditions in the Cairngorms sections ?

If it's gonna be a boggy mess, then I might propose that we go for the Capital Trail instead

Cheers,
Pete

We've had rain, but not much. The ground is still pretty dry and much of it drains quickly due to the soil types. Getting colder at nights though - enough for frost in sheltered spots.

Thanks - that's good to know

Anyone know of any quiet bivi spots at or south of the start (Banchory) ?
We're driving up from the south.

What r the midges like up there at moment?

Nah, they aren't that bad! (well they are but 1mm long)

Bivvy wise - the woods south west of Banchory should provide plenty of spots
Nearest Bothy is Char just off the Cairn O' mount Road (B974) South of Banchory - its an MBA one and on their website.

Sums them up a treat reg

It's pretty well drained on the south side of the Dee. After that it gets boggy from Glen Quoich in to Glen Gairn, shouldn't be too bad this year though. There will be a few short muddy sections after that and then definitely up on to the Hill of Fare will be muddy.

As mentioned Charr bothy is a good shout if you have a bit of spare time in the morning for repacking and moving. If not I've just set up in a quiet corner of the park in Banchory before without any bother.

Thanks all for the replies & info.

Especially Reg for the close-up of the midge