The Cairnwell Munros

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Summary

The Cairnwell is the most prominent of the group of three Munros on the west side of the Cairnwell pass. The Cairnwell and Càrn Aosda are made easily accessible but also scarred by the ski developments; Càrn a'Ghèoidh provides a wilder diversion.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

There isn't a path the whole way but the terrain gives straightforward hillwalking in normal conditions.

Public Transport

None to start - nearest is occassional bus to Spittal of Glenshee from Blairgowrie.

Start

Glenshee Ski Centre (parking charge). Open in Google Maps.

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.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 13km / 8 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 595m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO138781

Summits Climbed

Munro: Càrn Aosda
Munro: Càrn a' Ghèoidh
Munro: The Cairnwell

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (117)

Stage 1

Park at the Glenshee Ski Centre; there is a car park by the cafe on the west side of the road, and a much larger parking area on the east side for use in the skiing season, there is a charge. Begin the walk from the cafe by heading past the main ski building and then turning left across a gravelled yard to join a track climbing steeply uphill. Follow this diagonally to the right to reach a ski-lift and an octagonal cafe building (used in winter only). Continue on the main track between two ski-lifts, climbing steeply uphill. The track then bends left and crosses over a ski-run. Once past the far snow fence turn right onto a slightly narrower, eroded track climbing steeply. This eventually recrosses a ski-run; when it forks take the left branch which aims straight uphill.

Stage 2

The track climbs to reach the ridge just west of Càrn Aosda (with a Càrn Aosda signpost). Ignore the track cutting across the slope to the right and instead head straight uphill on a stony path to soon reach the summit cairn. At 917 metres in height and with the high level start this is probably the easiest of all Munros to reach. Unfortunately the extensive ski developments badly scar its slopes and detract from the experience, though the views are good.

Stage 3

Return to the track junction where you first met the summit ridge, and this time continue ahead along the ridge. Follow the track as it passes the top of the ski runs and eventually descends to a bealach above Loch Vrotachan. Here the track swings left and begins to climb once more.

Stage 4

Before reaching the next minor summit, take a narrow path off to the right to cut across the slopes and reach a second bealach, marked 808m on OS maps. Cross this bealach - with the ski developments now out of sight and mind - and climb the path up the grassy slope beyond. This continues round above the broken crags of Creag a'Choire Dhirich and passes a couple of small lochans before reaching the small plateau Càrn nan Sac.

Stage 5

Continue along the now flater, featureless ridge, beyond which is a final short climb to the cairn. This is Càrn a'Ghèoidh, the highest of the three peaks at 975 metres, and unlike the other two it does have a feeling of remoteness and escape. Glas Tulaichean and its graceful ridges dominate the view to the west.

Stage 6

From here, retrace your steps back to the 808m bealach below the Aosda - Cairnwell ridge. From here take the path which climbs opposite onto the ridge and then gain the track just beyond. Turn right up this, soon passing the top of the chairlift.

Stage 7

Beyond is the summit of the Cairnwell, the third Munro at 933 metres and crowned with ugly transmitter masts, buildings and a makeshift shelter. It is worth continuing a little beyond in order to enjoy a grand view down Glen Shee with no distractions.

Stage 8

From here the easiest descent is to head back down the ridge track, continuing to the 795m bealach below Carn Aosda and then following a good track to the right which descends the corrie and rejoins the outward route above the octagonal cafe. It is also possible to make a more direct descent nearer to the chairlift, but this is steeper and is over rough and pathless ground.

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