This area is the highest in
the UK. Of the eight mountains in Britain over 4000 feet, the
Cairngorms National park has seven of them. Ben Nevis the
highest mountain in Britain is a number of miles to the south
west but all of the others are here including of course
the second highest, Ben Macdui.
The
mountains here may not be the most rugged in Scotland but
they are a challenge to walk at most times of the year as
the weather can change in seconds.
Below is a list of the
Cairngorm Mountains and their height and a short description
including the appropriate OS Map number. Never, ever,
venture up a Scottish mountain without map and compass.
It should be noted that
the directions here are not to be used for climbing but are
only as a rough guide to whet your appetite. Please buy an
appropriate Munro guide book.
photo of Ben Macdui by Mick Knapton
The Central
Cairngorms
Beinn a' Bhuird
1197m 3927ft OS Sheet 36 NJ092006 (see
map and details)
This munro has two tops the most northerly being the highest.
Beinn Bhuird is the UK's 11th highest mountain. A good route
(but not the only one) is from Braemar, then to Invercauld
bridge. From there go up Gleann an t-Slugain to the ruin of a
lodge of the same name. From the lodge head up to the south top
of the Beinn and then on to the north top.
Ben Avon 1171m
3842ft OS Sheet 36 NJ131018 (see map
and details)
The mountain is most commonly reached from Braemar via the
Invercauld Bridge and as with Beinn a' Bhuird above on upwards
to the ruin of the lodge.
Ben Bhreac 931m
3054ft OS Sheet 36 and 43 NO058971 (see
map and details)
Often climbed in conjunction with Beinn a' Chaorainn as they are
on the same plateau. This is popularly climbed from the car park
near Linn of Dee. Walk along the track towards Derry Lodge for
about 5k. Then there is a worn path through the trees (NE) onto
the gentle heather slopes. From there its best to use your skill
to navigate onto the plateau using compass and OS map.
Beinn a' Chaorainn
1083m 3553ft OS sheet 36 and 43 NJO045013 (see
map and details)
See Ben Bhreac above.
Ben Macdui 1309m
4295ft OS sheet 36 and 43 NN989989 (see
map and details)
This is the second highest mountain in the British Isles (Nevis
of course being the highest) but is the highest of the
Cairngorms Park Mountains. Ben Macdui, Carn a' Mhaim can
be climbed together in a good summers day. Park at Linn of Dee
and either walk or cycle to Derry Lodge. Cross the Derry Water
at the bridge to put you on the north side of Luibeg burn and
the west side of Derry Water. Follow the path round until you
reach the Lairig Ghru and Luibeg junction. Now follow the path
up onto Carn a' Mhaim and then onto Ben Macdui.
Carn a'Mhaim 1037m
3403ft OS sheet 36 and 43 NN994951(see
map and details)
See directions above (Ben Macdui) for the route to climb Carn a'
Mhaim.
Derry Cairngorm
1155m 3789ft OS sheet 36 and 43 NO017980 (see
map and details)
You can climb Derry Cairngom in a long day out and include Carn
a'Mhaim, Ben Macdui and then onto Derr Cairngorm See directions
for the other two. The direct route is a path up Carn Crom
immediately after crossing Derry Water (see directions for Ben
Macdui).
Cairn Gorm 1244m
4081ft OS sheet 36 NJ005040 (see
map and details)
Quite an uninteresting mountain unless you like skiing, snow
fences and ski-tow pylons. It is the 6th highest mountain in the
British Isles. The short easy route is to park at the Cairngorm
Mountain Ski Centre main car park and choose a root from there.
Beinn Mheadhoin
1182m 3878 OS sheet 36 NJ024016 (see
map and details)
This Munro stands high above Loch Etchachan across from Ben
MacDui the highest of the Cairngorm Mountains. The shortest
route is from the Coire Cas Car Park at the Cairngorm Moutain
Ski Centre. There is quite a lot of navigation involved and a
lot of undulation and requires good mountain navigation skills.
Bynack More 1090m
3576ft OS sheet 36 NJ041063 (see
map and details)
Bynack More is appears separated from the rest of the Cairngorm
mountains by Strath Nethy. The popular way to climb this lovely
mountain is from Loch Morlich or nearby Glenmore Lodge where
there is ample parking just pass the Lodge. From this area walk
along the path (a natural continuation of the road) to the
Ryvoan Pass. You will then come to the picturesque Loch Uaine
with its Scots Pine backdrop. The track splits about a half
kilometre later. Take the track going east (right fork) to
Bynack Stable (the site of a long gone corrugated iron hut).
Cross the river Nethy here and use the track which ascends up
the moors. Eventually at the north plateau you will find an
eroded path which leads up the mountain and eventually to the
summit.
Braeriach 1296m
4252ft OS sheet 36 and 43 NN953999 (see
map and details)
Braeriach, the third largest mountain in the British Isles, is
not just a large mountain in height but also in girth. It is
usually climbed from a car park part way up the ski road (See
map link above). A path leads down to a footbridge over the Allt
Mor then up to the Chalamain Gap then down to the famous Lairig
Ghru. Cross the burn then head up to the Sron na Lairige ridge.
Afer the summit of Sron na Lairige head down in a southerly
direction to a wide bealach (col) then head up to the top of the
Coire Bhrochain then west to the summit.
Cairn Toul 1291m
4236ft OS sheet 36 and 43 NN963972 (see
map and details)
The mountains of Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain Uaine and The
Devils point are quite simply majestic. They can be climbed from
Derry Lodge. Follow the path around Luibeg Burn to the Lairig
Grhu. From here a couple of hundred metresafter the
junction in the path. Take the bridge crossing to the Corrour
Bothy (see map link above) behind the bothy a path winds its way
up to a bealach(col) near Devils Point. From here the path leads
to Devils point and in the other direction to Cairn Toul and
Sgor an Lochain Uaine.
Sgor an Lochain Uaine
1258m 4127ft OS sheet 36 and 43 NN954976 (see
map and details)
See Cairn Toul above.
The Devils Point
1004m 3294ft OS sheet 36 and 43 NN976951 (see
map and details)
See Cairn Toul above.
Mullach Clach a' Bhlair
1019m 3343ft OS sheet (see
map and details)
The next four mountains, Monadh Mor, Beinn Bhrotain, Mullach
Clach a' Blair, and Sgor Gaoith can all be climbed from Achlean
Car park in Glen Feshie (see the map link from any nof these
mountains to find the car park). Take the path from Achlean up
onto the highest area at Coire Fhearnagan, then head south
across the plateau. You can then join the landrover track which
heads to the summit.
Sgor Gaoith
1118m 3668ft
OS sheet 35, 36 and 43 NN882927 (see
map and details)
Use the instrucions from Monadh Mor to get to Coire Fhearnagan
then head to the top of Carn Bhan Mor. From there it is an easy
walk to the summit of Sgor Gaoith.
Monadh Mor 1113m
3652ft OS sheet 43 NN938942 (see
map and details)
From achlean head along the track to Coire Fhearnagan (as in the
mountains above) then head south to Loch nan Cnapan then go
south east to climb Tom Dubh then follow on to the top of Monadh
Mor.
Beinn Bhrotain 1157m
3796ft OS sheet 43 NN954922 (see
map and details)
For Beinn Bhrotain, get to the summit of Monadh More then follow
on round to the summit of Beinn Bhrotain.
The North of
Pitlochry
Beinn Dearg 1008m
3307ft OS sheet 43 ref NN852777 (see
map and details)
This mountain lies north of Blair Atholl and its name means red
hill. It is quite a long walk to get to the foot of the peak.
There a number of routes but probably the most used is starting
from the Glen Tilt Car Park then up Glen Banvie to the bothy
beside the burn Allt Sheichean. Further up the mountain you will
come across the red scree that give the mountain its name.
Carn a' Chlamain
963m (3159ft) OS sheet 43 ref NN915758 (see
map and details)
Park at the Glen Tilt car park then go up the west side road
from the river Tilt. Pass Giberts Bridge and Marble Lodge. About
1k further cross the Allt Craoinidh. From there follow the path
up the ridge of Carn a' Chlamain.
Carn Liath 975M
(3199ft) OS sheet 43 ref NN936698 (see
map and details)
One of three munros (Carn Liath, Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain,
Carn Nan Gabhar) on the mountain known as Beinn a' Ghlo. All
three of the mountains can be climbed from the car park at Loch
Moraig a few miles from Blair Atholl. Follow the obvious track
along the moor past the hut and then up the slopes of Carn Liath.
To follow on to the other Munros on Beinn a' Ghlo, just keep
following the track. The way back can best be done by following
the ridges back.
Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain
1070m (3510ft) OS sheet 43 ref NN945724 (see
map and details)
One of three munros (Carn Liath, Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain,
Carn Nan Gabhar) on the mountain known as Beinn a' Ghlo. For
climbing directions see Carn Liath above.
Carn Nan Gabhar
1060M (3478ft) OS sheet 43 ref 971733 (see
map and details)
One of three munros (Carn Liath, Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain,
Carn Nan Gabhar) on the mountain known as Beinn a' Ghlo. For
climbing directions see Carn Liath above.
An Sgarsoch 1006m
(3301ft) OS sheet 43 ref NN933836 (see
map and details)
A remote mountain (normally climbed along with Carn an Fhidhleir).
To climb this hill park at the Linn of Dee Car Park (see map link
above). Walk or cycle along the north bank of the Dee to White
Bridge then on to the ruin of Geldie Lodge. From there head up to An
Sgarsoch and then on to Carn an Fhidhleir.
Carn an Fhidhleir
994m (3261ft) OS sheet 43 ref NN904842 (see
map and details)
See directions above (An Sgarsoch).
Glas Tulaichean
1051m (3448ft) OS sheet 43 ref NO051760 (see
map and details)
Fairly remote mountain usually climbed in conjunction with Carn
Righ. Nearest access is from Spittal of Glenshee. Walk or cycle
to Dalmunzie House Hotel, or take your car there and pay a fee
for the car park. Walk north up the track past the farm and on
up past the lodge ruin. Keep on this track and it will take you
to the summit of Glas Tulaichean
Carn an Righ 1029m
(3376ft) OS sheet 43 ref NO028772 (see
map and details)
See directions for Glas Tulaichean above. From that summit
continue down the north ridge to join a path passing Mam nan
Carn. Turn left and this path summits on Carn an Righ. The
return route is to follow that same path down Gleann Taitneach.
Beinn Iutharn Mhor
1045m (3428ft) OS sheet 43 ref NO045792 (see
map and details)
Often climbed in conjunction with Carn Bhac. These remote
mountains can accessed from Inverey Car Park at the start of the
Glen Ey Tracks. Walk or cycle up the glen past Altanour Lodge
(approx 8.25km). Identify the Allt Beinn Iutharn and follow it
until you reach the slopes that climb up onto Iuthern Beag. From
there head up onto Mam Nan Carn and then to the summit of Beinn
Iutharn Mhor.
Carn Bhac 946m
(3104ft) OS sheet 43 ref NO051832 (see
map and details)
Use the directions to the summit of Beinn Iutharn Mohor then
head along the north eastern ridge and down to the bealach (col)
which then leads up to Carn Bhac via its southerly top. The
easiest return route is to head south east and to the
AlltanOdhar and back to the ruined Altanour Lodge.
An Socach 944
(3097ft) OS sheet ref NO079799 (see
map and details)
From the A93 at the Baddoch Car Park follow the private track up
past the Baddoch Cottage. A path from Loch Vrotachan joins the
track from the left and another path leads of to the right (
north westerly). Take that right hand path up the slopes of An
Soccach.
The Cairnwell 933m
(3061ft) OS sheet 43 NO134773 (see
map and details)
Climb this mountain with Carn Aosda. There are various ways to
do this from the Glenshee Mountain Ski Car Park. Not really
worth explaining here as both mountains can be done and back to
the car in under an hour and a half. Usually however Carn a'
Gheoid can be added too.
Carn Aosda 917m
(3009ft) OS sheet 43 NO091762 (see
map and details)
See The Cairnwell above.
Carn a' Gheoidh 975m
(3199ft) OS sheet 43 NO107767 (see
map and details)
See The Cairnwell above.
The Munro's East/south
east of
Braemar
Glas Maol 1068m
(3504ft) OS sheet 43 ref NO167765
Creag Leacach 987m
(3238ft) OS sheet 43 ref NO154745
Carn an Tuirc 1019m
(3343ft) OS sheet 43 ref NO174804
Cairn of Claise
1064m (3491ft) OS sheet 43 NO185788
Tolmont 958m
(3143ft) OS sheet 44 ref NO210800
Tom Buidhe 957m
(3140ft) OS sheet 44 ref NO213787
Cairn Bannoch 1012m
(3320ft) OS sheet 44 ref NO222825
Broad Cairn 998m
(3274ft) OS sheet 44 ref NO240815
Lochnagar - Cac Carn
Beag 1155m (3789ft) OS sheet 44 ref NO243861