A real hill walk in miniature, Creag Bheag makes for a great little outing with plenty of options for making shorter or longer circuits. The prominent rocky hill behind Kingussie, the traditional capital of Badenoch, is easily reached on good paths, with waymarked trails from the free car park or the nearby railway station. On a sunny summer’s day (yes, there have been one or two this year, believe it or not) we dragged the children to the start at the Ardvonie car park, which is clearly signed from the main road through the village, just behind the Duke of Gordon hotel.
There are picnic tables, public toilets, a play park, electric vehicle chargers and information boards about the walks are cycle routes in the area all here, so it’s a real hub of activity. Unexpectedly, this walk has become a real favourite for Matthew, who at six years old ran most of the way to the top and was jumping about on the rocks. I asked him weeks later about what he enjoyed so much about the walk – and he told me it was the rocky path and the colourful flowers.
It’s nice to know the children do appreciate these things sometimes, at least, because it doesn’t always feel that way! The slopes were covered in purple heather, as well as a vast array of montane flora including bog asphodel, butterwort, bird’s-foot trefoil, eyebright, devil’s bit scabious and more. Then the panoramic view from the summit is something to behold as well. Related articles: • LISTEN: Meet the Nairn mapmaker t.