Braeriach is the third highest mountain in Britain, and its remote position ensures it is a tougher proposition and far less visited than its higher rivals. In good conditions this is a magnificent circuit taking in scenery from Caledonian pinewoods to a storm-swept plateau high above dramatic corries.
Summary
Mostly the actual terrain is fairly straightforward apart from some boulder fields; the descent route is rougher. Navigation can be very difficult on the plateau and this is a long, tough walk through exceptionally exposed terrain.
Terrain
NH915087
Grid ref
25.5km/15.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Users'
rating
No public transport to Whitewell; an alternative start would be Coylumbridge.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. The most usual, quickest route to Braeriach is there-and-back via the Chlamain Gap from the car park part way up the ski-road. However the route described here makes a circular route and also benefits from a start through the Caledonian Pinewoods. Park at the end of the Whitewell public road (another alternative is Loch an Eilein car park); this leaves the Cairngorm road in Inverdruie and is signed for Blackpark and Tullochgrue. The walk begins by following a rough path downhill to the east from the parking area, marked with a Rothiemurchus footpath sign. The path slopes down to a much bigger one at a 't'-junction. Turn right here and continue up the well-surfaced route; there is a fine view of Braeriach ahead - a magnificent backdrop to the scattered Scots pines.
2. Continue up the path to reach a cross-roads of well-surfaced routes; turn left here, heading for the Lairig Ghru (the Loch an Eilein route comes in from the right at this cross-roads). The path passes the pretty Loch Deo, deep in the forest, and soon reaches another junction where a path from Coylumbridge joins in from the left. Continue right, soon reaching the iron bridge over the river built by the Cairngorm Club. Cross the bridge and follow the path on the far side. After just over a kilometre another cross-roads is reached; turn right to continue up towards the Lairig Ghru. The forests are gradually left behind as the path traverses the slopes high above the Allt Druidh. A couple of kilometres further the path comes alongside the stream and and the route from the Chlamain gap joins in from the left.
3. Continue on the main path which soon crosses the burn and then climbs gently. Look out for a clear path off to the right; turn onto this newly reconstructed route. It climbs up onto the lower end of the Sron na Lairig ridge, passing high above the Lairig and giving superb views down into the pass and across to Lurcher's Crag.
4. When the summit of Sron na Lairig is reached, cross a shallow bealach before beginning the climb up the initially wide slopes towards Braeriach; these briefly narrow to a fine ridge with truly magnificent views down the Lairig and across Coire Brochain and the vast Garbh Choire to the peaks of Cairn Toul and Sgor an Lochan Uaine.
5. The summit of Braeriach, a mighty 1296 metres, is a short distance beyond, close to the edge of the cliffs, and is a wonderful viewpoint for the whole region. The easiest return is the same way, but if weather is favourable it is well worth continuing this circular route to descend via Gleann Einich. Head northwest from the summit towards the rim of Coire Ruadh, and then west to pass along the top of the cliffs plunging down into Coire an Lochain. This corrie cradles a surprisingly large loch; continue round above the corrie to begin the descent northwest.
6. There are boulder fields to negotiate on this part of the descent, but the going eases lower down. The ground becomes less steep as you approach the Allt Easan na Bruaich. Continue down to reach the landrover track in Gleann Einich. Turn right down the glen; there are a couple of streams to cross on this section, and at one point the track switches sides of the Am Beannaidh via a bridge. The bare upper glen leads wonderfully back into Rothiemurchus Forest, passing the ancient Craobh Thillidh, the 'tree of the return', where cattle were driven to in the droving days, then being left to find their own route to the shielings near the loch.
Photo: kinley
7. Continue down the glen for several kilometres before bearing right to reach the cross-roads passed on the outward route. This section is really enjoyable if you aren't too tired, with some wonderful old pines. Go straight ahead at the cross-roads, and then look out for the rough path on the left about a kilometre on that leads you back to Whitewell.
Photo: kinley
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