Coire an t-Sneachda

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Coire an t-Sneachda is one of the most accessible of Britain's high mountain corries, the ski station car park and a superbly constructed path ensuring its popularity. The corrie itself is a grand cirque of cliffs, slashed by snow for much of the year and a popular venue for rock and ice-climbing depending on the season.

Terrain

Well made paths but situation can be very exposed; hillwalking gear should be carried. Despite the easy access the floor of the corrie is over 900 metres up.

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 Cairngorm funicular railway and ski centre car park in Coire Cas (parking charge). 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.

Stage 2

A short distance on the path forks; the route to Coire an t-Sneachda is the left hand route, going up pitched stone steps.The path - which is superbly made and maintained - ascends steadily across the slope towards the corrie, with giant blocks making stepping stones over tiny streams. The views back continue to be superb.

Stage 3

Further up the path crosses the main stream and continues towards the ever more impressive cliffs of Coire an t-Sneachda ahead. The path deteriorates and finally ends just before an area of huge boulders in the floor of the corrie; most people stop here, though it is possible to cross the boulders with care to the tiny lochans below the cliffs. Return to the car park the same way.

Stage 4

Coire an t-Sneachda has been a popular venue for climbers since the great Harold Raeburn climbed Pygmy Ridge here in 1904. The largest crag is Aladdin's Buttress, beneath the highest point on the rim, and the best known rock-climb is called the Magic Crack. The corrie is even better known for winter ascents, being probably the busiest ice-climbing venue in the UK. Visiting the corrie when there is snow on the path necessitates carrying ice-axe and crampons (and knowledge of how to use them), but rewards with sightings of climbers edging their way up the ice-clad cliffs and the snow gullies between them.

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