Gairbeinn and Corrieyairack Hill, Melgarve

Gairbheinn and Corrieyairack Hill were once regarded as Corbett twins, both having the same height on maps although the descent between them is insufficient for them to be separate Corbetts. Gairbheinn has since found to be marginally higher, but both hills together still make an enjoyable round, descending from the top of the Corrieyairack Pass.

Terrain

Mostly pathless hillwalking on heather hillsides, some sections of peat bog. Final stretch is back down the Corrieyairack Pass - a track.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

End of minor road from Laggan. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Users' reports

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6.5 hours
Ascent: 754m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN467959

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Gairbheinn

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

It is possible to park at the end of the public road up heading up the glen of the upper Spey from Laggan; the road extends further than shown on 1:50k maps and reaches a bridge beside a ford just short of Melgarve. A 'Road Closed' sign indicates not to drive further from here; park carefully avoiding blocking the track. Begin the walk by crossing the bridge and continuing along the track. This soon leads to a General Wade bridge and Melgarve bothy; if visiting the bothy please help keep the place tidy.

Stage 2

Continue along the Corrieyairack track for a further 500m or so until a good point to strike off northwards across the soggy heather moorland, keeping to the east of Meall Garbh Mor. The construction track for the controversial Beauly-Denny powerline is crossed; this is supposed to be restored to moorland when the work is completed after 2014. Continue up towards the bealach between Meall Garbh Beag and Gairbheinn, before aiming up the initially open slopes of the latter.

Stage 3

Higher up the route follows a rocky rib, but there are several false summits before the true top is reached. The cairn is a fine vantage point for the upper glen of the Spey and across the Monadhliath, though the reservoir of the Glen Doe hydro scheme somewhat mars the feeling of wild, open space. Continue for 200m or so along the ridge until a line of fenceposts leads steeply down to the northwest, crossing a peat bog in the bealach before rising up towards Aonaich Odhair.

Stage 4

The fence posts lead on over Geal Charn where another change of direction and descent - with a couple of steeper sections, easily passed on the left - down to the next bealach. Cross a bump and then another bealach before a more sustained climb up to Carn na Larach Buidhe. From here easier walking across a plateau leads to Corrieyairack Hill - once regarded as a twin Corbett summit with Gairbheinn, though now recognised as the lower top.

Stage 5

The going now becomes straightforward as initially faint tracks eventually become clear and lead down to the Corrieyairack Pass, heading beneath the pylon lines to reach the track through the pass itself. This is the watershed between Loch Ness and Strathspey, though the highest point of General Wade's route through the pass is actually where it leads along a ridge just west of here.

Stage 6

Turn left to begin the descent of the pass, which descends in a series of zig-zags at first. Once down to lower ground the route fords a burn before continuing down the Allt Yairack. After the fording of a second burn - the Allt a'Mhuill Ghairbh (there is no bridge) - the track leads on to Melgarve and back to the public road end at the start of the walk.

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