Cairn Toul & The Devil’s Point: A Wild Camping Adventure

We parked at Linn of Dee, walked the 8 miles or so into the Lairig Ghru and set up camp near Corrour Bothy just before dark. The forecast for the following day was excellent and we woke to a cloud inversion with mist in the glen and clear summits visible. It was chilly but after climbing up to the bealach where I left my rucksack, the temperature was already heating up. The remnants of the inversion were still visible from the summit of The Devil’s Point. We made our way back down to the bealach and started the ascent up Cairn Toul. By this time it was so hot we’d used up our water. There were no puddles for Jura to drink from or any water sources after leaving the bealach. We reached the summit of Cairn Toul and I made the decision to turn back. I’d intended climbing The Angel’s Peak too (and potentially the whole traverse although that was unlikely with Jura). For the rest of the day we relaxed at the tent and had a wander down to the bothy. The following morning we broke camp and walked back to Linn of Dee. Another great adventure.
My videos are not intended to be an exact guide to any hill, mountain or low level walk that features in the video. I don’t cover every aspect of the route, terrain or difficulties.
Please refer to walkhighlands.co.uk or the book by the SMC, The Munros - Hillwalking Guide, for detailed walk descriptions.
Stay safe out there and enjoy! 😊

[@barrieshaw5465]

Superb 👏👏

[@LindaOutdoors]

Thanks again Barry. 👍

[@malcolmabram2957]

Thank you you for sharing this adventure with us. Incidentally the Devil's Point is Bod an Deamhain in the Gaelic, and literally means the penis of the demon. There is an anecdotal tale that it was Queen Victoria's Ghillie, John Brown, who named it the devil's point. In those days Ben Macdui was known as the highest mountain in Britain (4570'), until the ordnance survey spoilt things in 1881 (and what a tale that was). However, the Queen and John Brown climbed Ben Macdui numerous times on horseback, whilst on one occasion the Queen pointed out Bod an Deamhain to John, and asked what it was named? He had to think fast. 'It is the devil's point maam."

[@LindaOutdoors]

Thanks Malcolm, very interesting info. I feel very sorry for the horse having to carry the Queen to the summit of Ben Macdui though. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@PAADVENTURES1]

Wow! Another amazing day! Sometimes the weather can be too good! Nothing worse than the dehydrated overheated feeling. Again looking forward to exploring this area next year. Thanks for sharing Linda! Cheers Paul

[@LindaOutdoors]

Thanks Paul. 👍

[@ontheadventuretrails-scotl9389]

Great stuff Linda. Some good choices made given the weather and water situation, and that you had your partner in crime with you. Bet it was nice getting to that waterfall. All the best! Lisa & Dave

[@LindaOutdoors]

Thanks Lisa & Dave! Yes, made the right decision but it’s hard turning back. 👍

[@paulkelly9820]

Ah! Delighted you captured this one. It was a scorcher! Looking forward to seeing the route in from the Sugarbowl for the other two too. Another great video Linda, keep them coming!

[@LindaOutdoors]

Thanks Paul, schoolgirl error running out of water. Lesson learned. 👍

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Linda, A super day. I’ll lookout for your adventure from the north to pickup the other Munro’s. Cheers Charlie.

[@LindaOutdoors]

Thanks Charlie. 👍

[@hikingwithfrank315]

Hi Linda, lovely video, been in your position couple times running out of water on a really warm day, not nice. I’ve only done 3 Munro’s in the Cairngorms so I’ll defo need to get that sorted next year. Yeh I’m not keen on camping in midge season.
Cheers Frank.

[@LindaOutdoors]

Thanks Frank. Hope you get the good weather I had. 👍

[@ALochOnTheWildSide]

Brill...never run out of water! get a sawyer and collect as you go if there is water available...

[@LindaOutdoors]

Thanks, already have a Sawyer but no water sources once up high. Unusual for Scotland. 👍

[@Choccytube]

"Angels Peak is just over there"...until you've been walking 30 minutes and it's still, just over there. Up on that bealach is a great place to camp, I stayed at the bothy, which was surrounded by midges, the next morning we made it to the bealach to find someone camping there with a nice breeze, so none of those horrors...

[@LindaOutdoors]

Definitely a good idea…anything to escape those dreaded midges! 🦟👍

[@euansmith5885]

Hi Linda, another great video. Can I ask how long it took you to do the 2 munros? I'm heading up in June and am on a bit of a time schedule so don't know if I can fit in the two. Many thanks 😀

[@LindaOutdoors]

Hi, I think from where I was camped at Corrour bothy it took around 5 hours or so. I’m not a fast walker. Hope that helps. 👍

[@euansmith5885]

@@LindaOutdoors yes that's brilliant. I'm supporting my daughter who has disabilities on her Duke of Edinburgh exped but just need to get her camping kit from one place to the next, leaving the rest of the day to fill. 5ish hours will work perfectly. Thanks again for the advice 👍

[@AndyOB]

Nice video Linda.Went in for these ones by bike a few months ago and The Devils Point was the only one I got any views from.Seen plenty folk camping where you were but i am put off by midgies so i'm not really a camper. They annoy me enough at the car trying to get my boots on never mind being stuck out in the middle of nowhere with them trying to get into my tent,lol.

[@LindaOutdoors]

Thanks Andy. That’s a shame you only got views on the 1st Munro. The midges have put me right off camping until they die off. They’re murder!!! 🦟👍

[@graemeclark6797]

I am lucky to have walked these hills for 60 years or so. Every time I read the word "midge" I scratch my skin.The little blighters have obviously affected my psyche and it's uncontrollable.