The Grampian Mountains - Well Worth A Visit

The mountains are made up of gneiss, granite, quartzite, schists and marble. The other significant mountain ranges that exist in Scotland are the Northwest Highlands and the Southern Uplands. Several rivers and streams start flowing from the Grampians: ie. Burn of Muchalls, Burn of Pheppie, Cowie Water, Tay, Spey, Burn of Elsick, Cairnie Burn, Esk, Dee and Don. This area has very little population due to the harsh climate and difficulty in farming.

The name originated in 1520, when a Scottish historian Hector Boece gave the name of Grampians to this mountain range. It was an adaptation of the name Mons Graupius, which was recorded by a Roman historian called Cornelius Tacitus. It was the place where a big battle was fought and the defeat of the locals by Gnaeus Julius Agricola in 83 AD.

The name of the battle was known as Mons Grampius and it was applied by Francis of Puteoli during the late 15th century. It is believed that during the mid 9th century the spellings Graupius are derived from the Codex Aesinas. The element 'Graupian' is of unknown origin. In fact there still is confusion regarding their actual location among various historians. Most of them believe it to be at a location in Grampians mass of hills and most probably at Megray Hill, Kempstone Hill or at Raedykes.

During the Medieval Ages, this area was popularly known as the Mounths, this name still remembered aplenty due to its geographical features. They were usually considered to be more than one range till the 19th century.

Many believe this thought to be true even today as it does not have a name in any Scottish Gaelic language or Doric dialect of the Scots. Several names are used in this region until it was translated into Scots Gaelic as Roinn a Mhonaidh.

A notable historic route that connects Aberdeen with southern sea shore points was known as the Causey Mounth, which is a high stonework structure and placed in many places because of the crossing of many marshlands and most importantly the Portlethen Moss. This route is a witness to many happenings in history and local wars as it was the best connection from Dunnottar Castle to Muchalls Castle and on to Dee Bridge.

Another one, which is a notable crossing of the Grampian Mounth is called the Elsick Mounth. There are other lowland bogs such as Red Moss, which is lying west of Netherley.

This whole area serves as a splendid retreat for all Tourists and the locals are very welcoming and friendly to all Visitors with the usual warm Scottish hospitality. So a visit to the Scottish Highlands and Islands is a must for any discerning individuals or groups.

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