Favourite Walk | National Walking Month
Favourite Walk | National Walking Month
To mark National Walking Month, Mike Dalgleish, who volunteers for Scottish Mountain Rescue as a Supplier Liaison Volunteer, shares his favourite walk. Mike is the person who liaises with companies to secure our teams discounts and offers to kit themselves out for the hill.
The footpath winds through Glendoll forest before the tree line comes to an abrupt halt. That’s when you first see it. The Corrie Fee stands out as my favourite walk by a country mile.
The Corrie Fee lies hidden away in the Angus Glens, and no matter how many times I visit the place, I still can’t help but stare in awe of the glacier-carved landscape.
I’m always drawn to the spectacular waterfall, which runs from the steep surrounds to feed a small stream which divides the Corrie Fee. Munro bagging enthusiasts tend to follow this stream, as part of a circular trail, to summit both Mayar and Driesh.
If the weather behaves, the gradual climb out of the Corrie fee offers memorable scenery of the Southern Cairngorms. I always pack plenty of tasty snacks on hikes. I have fond memories of consuming the entire contents of my rucksack high up on the vast plateaus, to lighten the load, before descending back down to Glendoll carpark.
I enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of walking in our great outdoors, although I also firmly believe it’s important to respect nature and tread responsibly. From a safety viewpoint, I always tell a family member where I’m going and check in with them once I’m finished hiking. On one occasion, my wife walked with me to the Corrie Fee and quickly understood what makes this place so special.
The Corrie Fee is home to rare flowers and wildlife. Walkers may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Golden Eagle soaring above Glen Clova. This is a truly wild and sacred habitat which remains protected as one of Scotland’s Natural Nature Reserves, but it’s important that we all take responsibility for its preservation. I always make sure I take all my litter home and stick to the recommended paths to limit my impact on nature.
Unfortunately, Storm Arwen reportedly caused significant damage in Glen Clova earlier this year and it may take some time for the trails to become clear of fallen trees before the Corrie Fee can reveal itself again.
It’s sensible to contact the Glendoll Ranger Base for an update on the status of path clearing. I look forward to returning to the Corrie Fee once the route is safe and fully accessible again. In the meantime, Scotland offers an abundance of hiking trails and we are truly spoilt for choice as we celebrate National Walking Month!
And remember, if you do need emergency help on the mountains, dial 999, ask for the police and then for Mountain Rescue.