Carn na Drochaid is a rather sprawling hill without any distinctive features; its superb position, however, on the edge of the High Cairngorms makes it a fantastic viewpoint.
Summary
Faint track for the first part of the ascent, then pathless moorland becoming rocky near the summit.
Terrain
NO118911
Grid ref
12km/7.5 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
No public transport
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Park in the grassy parking area at the end of the road at Allanquoich (six kilometres beyond the Linn of Dee); the parking is just on the far side of the bridge. The walk begins along the track which continues the line of the road; it is signed as a public footpath via Invercauld to the Brig o' Dee. It runs along the edge of the pinewoods, soon passing below a fine white house. Continue on the track through the gate in a deer fence and past a whitewashed wooden cottage. Beyond the track passes through a more open area, and there are glimpses of the houses on the edge of Braemar across the other side of the valley.
2. The track passes the isolated house at Allanreid; beyond, it passes to the right of a couple of isolated pine trees. The slopes to the left above the track are looking increasingly rocky. Keep a sharp eye out for the start of a grassy track heading uphill to the left; it is easily missed and begins a couple of hundred metres beyond the two pines. The track winds left and right and then back left again, heading up to the thin band of pine trees that stretches across the hillside. When beside the pines, look out for a right turn in the track beyond which it begins to climb more steeply; there is a track continuing straight ahead beside the trees at this point but that track peters out. As height is gained there are superb views up towards the Linn of Dee and the mountains beyond.
3. The track continues the climb up towards Creag a'Cheirich; at one point it is very faint as it crosses a slight depression but beyond it becomes clear once more. Carn na Drochaide is visible over to the left but its summit is out of sight. The track finally peters out on the little plateau at the top of Creag a'Cheirich, but it is worth heading over towards the summit cairn on the right (and particularly just south of the summit cairn) for some terrific views. Looking down the Dee valley the river can be seen winding in the shadow of the pointed summit of Lochnagar, whilst Braemar is backed by an equally fine view up Glen Clunie. To the north is Ben Avon with its series of summit tors. When leaving the top towards the col below Carn na Drochaide, head well over to the left to avoid the little rocky gorge of Clais nan Cat.
4. There is no path up Carn nan Drochaide from the bealach, but the terrain is not particularly difficult. Climb the heather slopes which steepen at one point and become stony as height is gained. The climb is rather featureless but the effort is relieved by the fantastic views to both sides and behind.
5. Higher up the slope eases into an undulating plateau, with cairns marking several minor summits. The true summit is marked by a massive cairn at 818 metres, making the hill a Corbett; the view in all directions is stunning, equal to that from the higher peaks. The main mass of the Cairngorms rise magnificently to the north and west, whilst east and south show fine valleys leading the eye to the peaks of the Mounth and Lochnagar.
6. The return is usually made the same way, with the best of the views now ahead. Be careful to again pass to the right of the Clais nan Cat; from here you can contour the slope ahead to pick up the track used on the ascent, which leads easily back down to Allanreid. Turn right along the right of way to return to the Linn of Quoich.
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Route profile
