Cairn Gorm and the northern corries

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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). Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at, or get the bus to the large car park at the ski centre and the foot of the funicular railway (parking charge). The Windy Ridge path from here heads direct for the summit - but avoids the best features of the mountain and is hardly worthy of such a famous summit. The route given here is much longer and has more ups and downs, but enables you to visit the dramatic cliff scenery of the northern corries. Head west using the steps and cross over the bridge; on the far side the path heads up some steps and bends right across the moor, soon joining another path. At the fork, keep to the lower, right hand path - the other new path heads up into Coire an t-Sneachda. The path soon crosses the Allt Coire an t-Sneachda with the help of stepping stones and continues across the moor.

Stage 2

Cross the next stream, which issues from Coire an Lochain, and continue on the path up onto the wide ridge of Miadan Creag an Leth-choin; ignore the smaller path which cuts across the slope. As height is gained great views open up on the left, across the gulf of Coire an Lochain - with its tiny lochan - to Cairn Lochan. Continue on the path which climbs up towards the col between Lurcher's Crag and the Cairngorm - Macdui plateau; from here there are great views over Sròn na Lairige across the Lairig Ghru.

Stage 3

The path itself is bound for Ben Macdui by the slopes above the Lairig Ghru; leave it on a fainter trod that leads to steeping stones across a flat boggy area. Beyond this the going becomes slightly steeper as the path climbs up to the east of the Coire an Lochain cliffs, eventually gaining the plateau, with stunning views across towards Cairn Toul and Sgòr an Lochain Uaine.

Stage 4

Now follow the path towards (but safely back from - especially in wtiner) the rim of Coire an Lochain. There are two summit cairns - both close to the vertical plateau edge and with a gully between them; there have been fatal accidents here when there is snow on the ground and visibility is poor. In clear summer conditions however there is no difficulty following the plateau edge to the northeast, with great views down into the corrie. There are famous climbs up these cliffs, such as the classic Savage Slit.

Stage 5

After about four hundred metres the path leaves the edge and descends across the slopes, slightly south of east; this is a key turning as the natural line leads out onto the craggy Fiacaill Ridge. The route soon nears the cliffs once more - the corrie below now is the even more celebrated climbing area of Coire an t-Sneachda. Drop to a narrow bealach at 1111m; a path climbs up from the corrie at this point - the 'Goat Track' - whilst the path to Ben Macdui heads off to the right. Continue up the slopes opposite, with dramatic views down into the corrie on the left - rockclimbers can often be seen completing their routes.

Stage 6

Continue to the top of Stob Coire an t-Sneachda; the route continues in the same direction briefly before following the curve of the rim of the cliffs round to the left. The path bypasses the top of the Fiacaill a' Choire Cas ridge on its right side; a ridge descending from here can be used for the descent, but to reach the summit of Cairngorm you need to continue eastwards up the broad stony slopes.

Stage 7

At the summit there is a fine cairn, and the less inspiring weather station building with a small mast; this is a long way from feeling the wildest of the Munros. Nevertheless, the views are magnificent. The summit has become less crowded in more recent years since passengers on the funicular railway are not allowed to leave the building due to conservation concerns, the old chairlift it replaced used to carry hundreds of ill-equipped visitors close to the summit, and the fragile ecology of the plateau is showing signs of recovery from the damage.

Stage 8

A path leads northwards towards the Ptarmigan station building. The upper section is rough and lined by cairns; further on the path steepens but is pitched and has rope handrails on either side to help limit erosion. The Ptarmigan restaurant is the top station of the funicular railway. Please note both the Ptarmigan Restaurant and the funicular railway are closed due as the funicular is broken. There are no facilities or people here. When open, walkers are permitted to enter the building and catch a train for the descent if you wish. .

Stage 9

To continue the walk down, pass to the right of the Ptarmigan building and descend on a broad path signed as the 'Windy Ridge Path'. Keep right at a fork and head across a ski-run (between two snow fences), then keep left beside the second snow fence (ignoring a track straight ahead towards Coire na Ciste). The path is now obvious and the views to Loch Morlich, surrounded by the green carpet of Rothiemurchus Forest remain magnificent. Continue down the broad Sròn an Aonaich ridge; part way down follow the path as it bears left and descends more steeply to reach the track by the funicular just above the bottom station. Turn right on a path to bypass the construction work and then descend the steps above the centre of the car park.

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