Cairn Gorm and the northern corries
Cairn Gorm itself is the best known and most visited mountain of the range. With a high level car park and extensive ski developments as well as the controversial funicular railway, it can seem somewhat spoiled. This longer approach via Cairn Lochan has a pathless section requiring navigational care, but also terrific rock architecture and superb views, leaving the scarred sections for the return.
Terrain
In perfect summer conditions this is a reasonably straightforward hillwalk. Be aware that one section is pathless, the route is very exposed, and it runs close to the edges of cliffs, requiring respect and navigational skills.
Public Transport
Bus to Cairngorm ski centre from Aviemore.
Start
Cairngorm Ski Centre car park (charge).
Hillwalking in Winter
Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.
Users' reports
As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others.
There are 33 user reports for this walk - click to read them.
