An Sgarsoch

An Sgarsoch, at 1,006 metres, is one of two rounded, featureless Munros given real distinction by their sheer remoteness, sitting in the heart of wild country between the main Cairngorms and the Atholl ranges — few Munros can match this pair for the feeling of solitude and open space.

The route starts from the Linn of Dee car park, following an excellent, cyclable track for around 12 kilometres to the ruins of Geldie Lodge, a former shooting lodge and useful landmark where most walkers leave bikes for the final stretch on foot. Beyond, a track continues west beneath An Sgarsoch towards Càrn an Fhìdhleir, with the terrain becoming pathless, boggy, and heather-clad — a stony ford crosses the Allt a' Chaorainn, usually straightforward except after heavy rain, before the ascent of An Sgarsoch climbs through peat hags and heather to grassier, stonier ground higher up, reaching the large summit cairn — a fine viewpoint on clear days, taking in the main Cairngorms range, though offering plenty of shelter behind the cairn itself on windy days.

From the summit, a nice rising traverse across steep grassy flanks leads to the bealach shared with Càrn an Fhìdhleir, adding genuine interest to what would otherwise be a fairly featureless connecting stretch, before the climb to the second Munro of the day.

Alternative approaches exist via Glen Feshie, crossing the Eidart footbridge before tackling the boggy lower slopes of Càrn Ealar, or via Glen Tilt from Blair Atholl, making use of the Tarf bothy — though crossing the River Tarf afterwards can become impossible in spate.

The round trip from the Linn of Dee, whether walked or cycled in part, is a very long day, typically ten to twelve hours or more; many choose to camp at Geldie Lodge or nearby, splitting the expedition across two days given the sheer distances involved.

The several river crossings on the approach demand attention to water levels, and the broad, undulating summit plateaus require genuine navigation confidence in poor visibility — full self-sufficiency and route-finding skills are essential given the remote nature of this whole area, with little shelter from wild weather even in the lower glens.

Parking at the Linn of Dee is chargeable; a very limited summer bus service runs from Braemar.