Braes of Glenlivet

Saturday 22nd February 2025

We were very fortunate to enjoy a one-day good weather window between days of heavy rain and strong winds. Ten humans and two dogs arrived at Chapeltown in the Braes of Glenlivet to begin a circuit of the Ladder Hills including a visit to the Corbett of Carn Mor.

Firstly, though, we investigated the College of Scalan, an 18th century Catholic Seminary. The buildings were in good condition but unfortunately the College building was locked – both the glen and the College are well worth a visit. This area would seem to be a Catholic stronghold with the church in the hamlet of Chapeltown being of the Catholic faith and still in use today.

Braes of Glenlivet with Scalan in the foreground

Not resting, just chatting (or both?)

We climbed steeply but fairly easily up onto the ridge leading to Carn Liath. The main party turned north east walk along to Carn Mor while Jane took a shorter alternative route back to the glen. We were pleased to have the stiff wind on our backs as we made our way along to the summit. Visibility was excellent with Ben Rinnes, Ben Avon, The Buck and Bennachie in clear view. The high temperatures in the previous days along with the winds meant that there were only small patches of snow remaining. The dogs caught sight of a mountain hare in its winter garb but they were no match and the hare easily outran them.

We met a few other walkers at the summit who had started from Glenbuchat and then skirted a peat hag ‘forest’ to reach the steep path back down to the glen at Ladderfoot. The leading group continued on the track back to the village road while the stragglers took a shortcut through some farm fields and were rewarded with the sight of a new born lamb – Spring is coming!