Gaick Pass Show path on map
Start location: Dalnacardoch Lodge, on A9 ( NN 723 703 )
End location: Tromie Bridge ( NN 789 994 )
Geographical area: Cairngorms National Park, Perth, Kinross and Stirling (part)
Path type: Rural Path
Path distance: 34.5km
Accessibility info: Suitable for bikes, Suitable for horses, Suitable for pedestrians
Route Description
Dalnacardoch is 11km northwest of Calvine on the A9. Be careful if crossing the very busy dual carriageway at the start of this right of way. A good track goes north for 9km through a plantation and passing a radio mast, continues north beside the Edendon Water to Sronphadruig Lodge. Just beyond the lodge, do not cross the river but continue north on an indistinct path across boggy moorland to join a better track along the west side of Loch an Dùin, across the foot of the very steep slopes of An Dùn, which plunge for 300m from its summit into the loch.
At the north end of the loch cross the Allt Loch an Dùin, either at the outflow where it is wider but slower, or at the ford of the track where it is narrower but faster flowing. The track, known as Domingo’s Road, continues northeast, crossing two significant fords near Loch Bhrodainn and at the Allt Gharbh Ghaig, Both can be difficult to cross in wet conditions. Continue past Gaick Lodge and Loch an t-Seilich to join the route from the Minigaig at the bridge across the Allt Bhran. From here follow the track on the eastern side of the River Tromie past Lynaberack Lodge all the way down to Tromie Bridge.
Alternatively, go to Ruthven Barracks by one of the two route possibilities described for the Minigaig; click the link above.
The route through the Gaick Pass is promoted by Visit Scotland as a Mountain Bike Trail. A cyclist using the route is featured in one of our 2025 Christmas cards.
OS Landranger 42 (Glen Garry) & 35 (Kingussie)
Heritage Information
The route can be clearly seen on the first edition OS Six Inch to the Mile map. Sronphadruig Lodge is marked as Edendon Lodge with a sundial in its grounds.
Gaick Lodge must be one of the most remote houses in Scotland - often inaccessible in winter due to snow and the serious risk of avalanche, which reportedly nearly destroyed the Lodge itself in 1911. Near the Lodge is a memorial to a hunting party of five who perished when an avalanche consumed their bothy - the eighteenth century Gaick Lodge - in January 1800.
