Glen Einich Shieling Path

Start location: Coylumbridge (NH 915 107)
End location: Loch Einich (NN 912 978)
Geographical area: Cairngorms National Park
Path Type: Rural Path
Path distance: 14.8km
Accessibility info: Suitable for pedestrians

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Route Description

This route is only suitable for those with some hillwalking experience, particularly in winter and spring when the hills are snow-covered. On a dry summer day, however, it should present no problems.

From Coylumbridge go south along the Lairig Ghru path, but keep right in 800m to pass below Whitewell (where this route may be started) and continue along the track up Gleann Einich. It is equally possible to start from the end of the public road at Loch an Eilein. The crossing of the Beanaidh Beag 5km up Gleann Einich may be difficult in spate, particularly in spring when snow in the high corries of Braeriach is melting. At the outflow of Loch Einich go round the west side of the loch along a path beside the loch below the crags of Sgor Gaoith.

OS Landranger 36 (Grantown, Aviemore & Cairngorm area)

Heritage Information

This is the path the people of the townships in the Rothiemurchus area took to their summer shielings. The purpose of travelling to the shielings was to take the cattle and give the ground time to recover.

There is said to be a 'returning tree' on the way, which was the site of a party every year when the men returned back home. This fell down some years ago but apparently still exists on its side.

The ruined shielings are located at the south end of Loch Einich.

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