The Cairngorms Traverse Bus Meet is a classic. An opportunity to traverse the massif from south to north however one wishes, without the hassle of having to organise transport and accommodation. Unfortunately time restraints on the bus mean that it is no longer possible to run this as a standard bus meet from Elgin, so we tried the next best thing. The plan was simple – get yourself to the end of your chosen walk by car, public transport or whatever means works for you. Catch the bus from there to the Linn of Dee carpark, and walk back to where you caught the bus from. The advantage of this over a normal bus meet is that there’s no rush for the bus and longer, more adventurous routes can be taken.

The plan worked out as a coach left the Cairngorm Ski Centre carpark with a few folk on board, picked up two more at the Sugar Bowl carpark, another two at Glenmore and four more at Coylumbridge, before making the circuitous journey round to the south side of the Cairngorms. Linn of Dee carpark was reached and it was time to disembark.

Everyone walked up the track to Derry lodge on a fine morning, the reforestation of the glen apparent to those of us who haven’t been this way for a while. From there the group split. The largest group, consisting of Stephen, Joe, and guests Catriona, Duncan and Hannah headed up Derry Cairngorm in the late morning sunshine, where some baby Ptarmigan were encountered, and, on the far side, a hot and exhausted dog with its two human companions, which was taking a well-needed break before descending to Linn of Dee. From there they had a very pleasant summery wander over Ben Macdui and the plateau, with Catriona, Duncan and Stephen taking in Cairngorm at the end and Hannah and Joe descending into Coire Cas.

Alan takes up the story for his group: “Alan, Fiona and Ben set off in beautiful sunshine from Linn of Dee with the rest of the bus and walked along the track to Derry Lodge where there was a brief stop. However, in view of Ben’s big traverse they continued on the excellent path around Carn a’ Mhaim to Corrour Bothy where they had a sandwich break and made use of the bothy’s toilets (a choice of 4 toilet seats no less!). They continued up the excellent path on to The Devil’s Point. On the return to the bealach, Alan and Fiona left Ben to continue his high-level traverse to the next 3 Munros. They quickly descended to the bothy and continued the very long and rough traverse of the Lairig Ghru. The highlight of the pass was at the 835metre high point where the Cairngorm Reindeer herd were enjoying an afternoon grazing in the sunshine. It was still light when at 10.30 the main road at Coylumbridge was finally reached. Amazing weather along with excellent clarity and fantastic scenery made this a day to remember. I hope that we can repeat this type of trip in future and attract more members who really did miss something special.”

Annika and Drummond also walked through the Lairig Ghru, leaving the Devil’s Point to Alan and Fiona, with Drummond cutting up through the Chalamain Gap back to his car at the Sugar Bowl and Annika continuing down to Coylumbridge.

Stuart and Emily chose to use the traverse as a way to climb on remote south facing rock, where it doesn’t really matter whether you approach from the north or the south, it’s still a long way, but to approach from the south and walk off to the north improves the aesthetic nature immeasurably. They climbed Talisman, the classic three star Hard Severe, in three brilliant pitches. After topping out they discussed whether to just head back and so be home reasonably early. Instead they chose to go and do Quartz Vein Edge and so got home reasonably late. A pleasant time was had by all.

Bob takes up the story for the longest day had by any group:

“Fiona and I walked up to Derry Lodge with the rest of the MMC gang before heading off on our own up Glen Derry for about 2 km. Then we found the narrow boggy path leading up through some lovely Pine woods to the open hillside and eventually to the summit of Beinn Bhreac where we stopped for a late lunch break. After Beinn Bhreac it was across the wide expanse of the Moine Bhealaidh, footpaths for some of the way but a lot of floundering about in peat bogs and river crossings before reaching the lower slopes of Beinn a Chaorainn. Finding the occasional path through the boulder field we eventually reached the summit around 18.00, the views around were amazing with Beinn Mheadhoin being quite prominent across the Lairig an Laoigh to our west. After another short break at the summit of Beinn a Chaorainn it was down the steep North West flank to the Fords of Avon and the refuge. Enjoying the evening sunshine we had a short break after crossing the fords (surprisingly refreshing for the feet, rather than baltic) before the long drudge back along the remaining part of the Lairig an Laoigh path, past the Barns of Bynack up on our left, the north shoulder of Bynack More, Ryvoan eventually getting back to the car at Glenmore at 01.00 on the Monday morning. Great day out with a select few on the bus, one that Fiona and I won’t forget in a long time.”