An easy SOTA summit just off the A9, worth 2 points
In September 2025 I activated 4 summits in the Cairngorms. There are good write ups and tips for activators covering 3 of these already at Sotadata.org.uk, so I will only write about CS-092.
- CS-035 - very nice walk past a hydro electric plant, then steep climb to the summit
- CS-043
- CS-092 see below
- ES-027 - previously activated in 2024, my 'blog post here>
The walking track for CS-093 is just off the Southbound side of the A9, but the most convenient parking is on the Northbound side at a break in the barrier. This is not a numbered layby, but there is plenty of space to park safely and without obstructing the farmer's gate:
I followed the track (marked on Open Topo Maps) and then on upwards to the summit. This summit is open moorland so there are no obstacles to avoid.
Once at the top there was plenty of activating space. I found a bit of shelter from the wind behind a rock outcrop a short distance from the summit.
I managed 8 SSB QSOs on 20m, including 1 S2S with Julian ON/IN3JIB/P. I also tried my hand at CW on a summit for the first time and added 4 CW QSOs.
I returned to activate the summit in September 2026, this time approaching the summit from the opposite direction as I had just activated GM/CS-035 (having parked in Layby 94). I thought this would be easier than returning to the road and driving along to the parking spot mentioned above.
With hindsight that would have been a better plan as the walk up the hill was hard going, covered with thick heather and plenty of holes and boulders to cause minor injuries! I was ok but tired by the time I got to the top. I just managed 4 qsos to activate the summit again, then took my original route back to the A9. I then had an unwelcome 2 mile walk along the A9 back to layby 94!
