Cairn Toul

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Cairn Toul is the most shapely of the high Cairngorms, rising as a giant sentinel above the infant River Dee. It is in a very wild and remote position and many walkers will need an overnight trip to climb it, whether from Deeside or Speyside.

 You have not climbed Cairn Toul.

Region: Cairngorms

Altitude: 1291 metres

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Detailed route description and map

Cairn Toul and Braeriach traverse

Other routes and challenges

The complete round described above is certainly the classic route, though the fastest way to Cairn Toul is from Deeside and then up Coire Odhar above Corrour Bothy. Another possible approach is from Auchlean in Glen Feshie, up over the Càrn Bàn Mòr path and then across extremely exposed, remote terrain via Sgòr an Lochain Uaine.

The epic challenge hereabouts is the ascent of the Cairngorm 4000ers, best accomplished from Speyside. Ascend Brariach via the Chlamain Gap from the Sugar Bowl car park, head round to Cairn Toul and then Corrour Bothy. Use the Allt Clach nan Taillear route onto Ben Macdui, then continue to Cairngorm and back down to the ski centre.

Panoramic summit view (click to open)