Braeriach, circuit from Whitewell

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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.

Terrain

Mostly the actual terrain is fairly straightforward; the descent route is rougher. Navigation can be very difficult on the plateau and this is a long, tough walk through exceptionally exposed terrain.

Public Transport

No public transport to Whitewell; an alternative start would be Coylumbridge.

Start

Parking at Whitewell. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Deer Stalking information

North of Braeriach and west of Lairig Ghru: Rothiemurchus. Stalking between late Sept and 20 Oct. Access to Braeriach is always OK via the main track up Gleann Einich to the loch, the Coire Dhondail path and Einich Cairn, or from the Lairig Ghru via Sron na Lairige. No stalking on Sundays. If further information is needed, please phone 01479 812345 (9.30am-5.30pm), 07887 648675 or, preferably, e-mail info@rothie.net ahead of visit.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The most usual, quickest route to Braeriach is there-and-back via the Chalamain 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.

Stage 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 the route from the Chalamain gap joins in from the left.

Stage 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 Sròn na Lairig ridge, passing high above the Lairig and giving superb views down into the pass and across to Lurcher's Crag.

Stage 4

When the summit of Sròn 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 Sgòr an Lochan Uaine.

Stage 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 descent gradually west, retaining enough height to pass above the cliffs plunging down into Coire an Lochain.

Stage 6

This corrie cradles a surprisingly large loch; continue round above the corrie to begin the real descent northwest. After coming level with the floor of the corrie, aim more to the west to pick up the fading line of an old stalkers path.

Stage 7

This descends in a series of zig-zags - with stunning views ascross Gleann Einich - before eventually petering out. Rather than descending directly to glen it is better to aim a little north towards the Allt Easan na Bruaich before cutting down to avoid steep heather slopes. Cross a boggy area to gain the track. Turn right down the glen. Soon the substantial Beanaidh Bheag needs to be crossed; this can be done on stones in dry weather but may need a wade (the crossing would be impassable in spate). Further on cross a bridge over the main Am Beannaidh. When the track forks, keep to the lower track along the glen. Gradually the bleakness of the empty glen vanishes as the pines of Rothiemurchus Forest are reached; this is a stunning section.

Stage 8

Continue down the glen for several kilometres before bearing right at a fork 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.

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