Coire an Lochain makes a quieter, longer alternative to the popular Coire an t-Sneachda walk. The corrie makes a fine destination in its own right, with a tiny lochan, fine rock architecture and great views over Strathspey.
Summary
Mostly well made paths, final ascent to the corrie pathless. Exposed situation, full hillwalking gear needed; the corrie floor is at over 900 metres.
Terrain
NH989060
Grid ref
7km/4.25 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
1. Park at the Cairngorm funicular railway and ski centre car park in Coire Cas. The view up towards Cairn Gorm is somewhat marred by the railway, ski-tows, runs and fences, but looking out in the other direction there is a fantastic view out over the green carpet of Rothiemurchus Forest and Loch Morlich to Aviemore and the Monadhliath beyond. The footpath begins at the right hand corner of the car park; it is accessible from either level via steps. Cross the bridge and go up the steps to the right of the lowest ski-tow.
2. A short distance on the path forks; the left hand route leads to Coire an t-Sneachda; for Coire an Lochain, keep on the lower path to the right. Cross the Allt Coire an-t-Sneachda and keep on the main path when a fainter one heads off left. Continue ahead, soon crossing the Allt Coire an Lochain as well.
3. Once across this stream, the main path begins to ascend the Miadan Creag an Leth-Choin ridge - the 'Northern Corries' route to Cairn Gorm. Instead, stay on a lower path that keeps to the right hand side of the floor of Coire an Lochain ahead. Soon this path too begins to rise across the slope; again leave it and continue up the right edge of the corrie floor.
4. The path soon fades out, but it is possible to continue up the stony corrie to the lochan beneath the cliffs. The return is the same way. Although a little less accessible than neighbouring Coire an t-Sneachda, Coire an Lochain has really well known climbs. The most famous route is Savage Slit, a rock-climb which follows a crack all the way up the large western buttress. The gullies between the buttresses give easy ice-climbing routes, but the true cutting edge of climbing here is on the mixed routes, where both ice and rocks would be tackled in the course of a climb.
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