Carn Ealasaid from the north

Carn Ealasaid can be climbed quickly from the Lechd summit via the ski-area, or easily from Allergue to the south using a landrover track up Carn Vaich. This northern approach is rougher but more unspoilt; the descent given is pathless and very rough but you could more easily retrace your steps.

Terrain

Gentle, rounded hill. Some boggy sections on approach. Optional alternative return route is across rough heather and tussocks.

Public Transport

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Start

Start of track off the A939 at NJ224150. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.25km/6.25 miles
Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 472m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NJ224150

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Carn Ealasaid

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Explorer 404 - Braemar
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is plenty of space to park off the A939 by the start of a track opposite a derelict old cottage, around 1km west from the Well of the Lechd. Go through the gate and begin up the track, with forestry up to the left and a felled area on the right which is now being regenerated as moorland. Soon Beinn a'Chruinnich comes into view ahead, and the track swings round to the left.

Stage 2

The track climbs above the bealach between Tom Garbh-bheinn and Beinn a'Chrunnich. When it swings sharply left for the former, leave it and cross the very boggy bealach to join the obvious track opposite. This swings left and then right to climb up Beinn a'Chrunnich's north ridge, passing a line of grouse butts and running just left of a broken fence. The track becomes a boggy path and fades out before the top is reached. Continue to reach the small transmitter on the summit, with the top end of the Lechd ski-tows just beyond.

Stage 3

Descend WSW from the transmitter and follow the very broad ridge as it curves round to the left to reach the bealach. There are a couple of sections of peat hags before a clearer path forms on the final drier climb up towards Carn Ealasaid. The path peters out on the flat summit plateau. The tiny cairn is beside a landrover track but there is more than one track here, so careful navigation may be needed in poor weather. In good conditions this is an excellent viewpoint, especially towards the granite tors of Ben Avon and the main Cairngorms range.

Stage 4

The easiest return to the start is to retrace your steps. The obvious alternative is to head for the path marked on OS maps which crosses the ridge to the west, heading north to Blairnamarrow - however this path no longer exists on the ground and the way crosses some thick heather and wet tussocks. If opting for this descent, head NW to gain the broad Lurg Mheadhonach ridge. The line of the old path is completely overgrown but perhaps still gives the easiest going just west of the ridge crest. Continue down the ridge to its foot and cross the Meur Crionach. Continue north, keeping to the left of the fence, to reach Blairnamarrow. At the track turn right and follow the A939 east for around 1km to return to the start. The road is busy so keep to the grass verge.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.