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munros
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Beinn Bhrotain (1157m, Munro 19)
Monadh Mor (1113m Munro 40)
Braeriach (1296m, Munro 3)
Sgor an Lochain uaine (1258m, Munro 5)
Cairn Toul (1291m, Munro 4)
Devil's Point (1004m, Munro 130)
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corbetts
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Sgor Mor (813m)
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ascent
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2000m (6,600ft)
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distance
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52km, including 10km on bike (32m)
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time
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bike/run : 6hr, bike/walk : 15hr*
*Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent, 10km/h on bike
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profile
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location
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start/finish
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Linn of Dee (grid ref : NO061897)
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maps/guides
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This area is covered by 2 OS Landranger 1:50000 and 2 OS Explorer 1:25000 maps :
 
 
 
 
 
 
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GPX data
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download a GPX file of the main route
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| terrain |
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easy |
| difficult |
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| navigation |
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easy |
| testing |
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| effort |
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stroll |
| long day |
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| scenery |
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ok |
| stunning |
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images
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view photos of the route and hills
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main route summary
These 6 munros on the high plateau west of the Lairig Ghru can easily be bagged in a day. Come in by bike from Linn of Dee on a fine track to White Bridge, from where good paths head in. On such a vast plateau, good navigation skills are needed, particularly north of Monadh Mor and on Braeriach. The terrain changes dramatically, heather clad hillsides, give way to grass, boulder-fields, lochans, cliffs, ridges and waterfalls. Being so high, the views are quite superb, particularly from Braeriach.
main route outline
Getting there
From Braemar, drive west to the bridge over the Linn of Dee and the car-park just beyond. It's £2 to park here - the environmentally friendly toilets are an experience !
Beinn Bhrotain
Cycle back to the Linn of Dee, then along a fine track for 4.5km to White Bridge. The NTS in their wisdom have decided to improve the path on the eastern side of the Dee, yet remove the track on the western side and replace it with an un-cyclable path. Why ? Leave your bike at the bridge, then head up the western side of the Dee for 3km to cross a burn. From here the track used to continue north, however the NTS have removed it completely. Previously I would have continued on a bike for a further 3km, then headed due west to the summit of Beinn Bhrotain. Now however, from the end of the path, its more enjoyable to cross the burn and head west-north-west on a soggy path in the direction of Carn Clioch-mhuilinn. The path gradually improves as it cuts through the heather. From Carn Clioch-mhuilinn, descend north-west on a path to a flat wet area, then climb 300m over easy ground to reach the large cairn on Beinn Bhrotain's summit. This is a fine summit, but is eclipsed by the grander peaks immediately north.
Monadh Mor
After the easy trudge up to Beinn Bhrotain, the pink boulders that have to be descended next come as a bit of a shock. Due to the size of these, the path is not obvious, so careful navigation is needed in mist. Just above the 1000m contour, the boulders are left behind and the path continues to the sharp bealach. Initially steep up the other side of the col, the path continues north-west uphill, then becomes pretty faint as the ground flattens - carefully navigation in mist will again be required - don't be fooled by a couple of small cairns off left (west). There's a little pile of stones on the minor summit Leac Ghorm, but the main summit of Monadh Mor (650m further on) has an obvious, though rather small cairn. Not a great hill, however the best is ahead !
Braeriach
From Monadh Mor, head north-west-north over grassy flat ground, then boulders as the descent steepens. As you're descending, start to turn north-east-north to aim for the 899m marked on the OS Landranger map. A couple of small burns are crossed at the watershed, then it's a long trudge up an ascent of 350m on easy grass covered hillside to reach the bouldery plateau of Carn na Criche (1265m on the OS map). Further on, the river heading out from the Wells of Dee needs crossed - this can be quite tricky in spate or winter. Also look out for a herd of 30 or so reindeer ! After crossing the river, the ground gets more boulder covered, though this indicates Braeriach's summit is not much further. The top is a spectacular place with a great view. The cliffs are dramatic, with snow that is said to linger all year round (though I doubt it in our current mild climate).
Sgor an Lochain Uaine
After you've taken in the views, return over the Wells of Dee to Carn na Criche, then follow the edge of the corrie down south, then south-east, then east to the bealach before Sgor an Lochain Uaine (The Angel's Peak). A path is followed on the easier ground, otherwise you've got to pick your way carefully over boulders. This munro was only promoted from top status in 1997, however, due to the ascent, the descent and the views it's well worthy of munro status.
Cairn Toul
From Sgor an Lochain Uaine's cairn, descend 120m south-east over boulders to the col. More boulders ahead on the short 150m of ascent to the cairn on the Cairn Toul's summit. Stunning views to Braeriach and Ben MacDui. There is another cairn 200m south - take your pick which is on the actual summit (I prefer the northern one).
The Devil's Point
Yet more boulders to descend south-west from the southern cairn to reach the gentle rise up to Stob Coire an t-Saighdeir. Just after the small cairn on this top, look for a faint path heading south-east, don't stick to the crest around Coire an t-Saighdeir. The path becomes more obvious as it crosses grass downhill. The Devil's Point looks tiny below, however once the wet bealach is crossed, there's a fair haul up a path and some boulders to reach its summit cairn. Quite a view south over the snaking Dee to the Glenshee hills and Lochnagar.
Return
Return to the bealach, then descend on a recently improved path to Corrour Bothy. Cross the Dee via a delicate metal bridge, then follow the path south. The path splits, take the right (west) fork. Recent path work has dramatically improved what was a wet peaty route back to White Bridge. Pick up your bike to cycle back to Linn of Dee.
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Alternatives
Braeriach and Feshie hills
Ascent : 1950m, distance : 35km
Just before Rothiemurchus campsite, there is a lay-by and the start of a track into Glen Einich. Cycle up this fine track for 12km to Loch Einich. Cross the river. In summer it is possible to scramble directly up Sgoran Dubh Mor, alternatively from the loch, head north and ascend Sgoran Dubh Mor via it's northern arm over Sgoran Dubh Beag. Reach Sgor Gaoith with it's small summit pearched above the coire.
Aim south-west-south to the cairn on Carn Ban Mor (which used to be a munro), cross the Moire Mor path and continue s for 3km until a track is reached. Follow this track to within 200m of Mullach Clach a'Bhlair's summit and it's small cairn.
Return along the track to where it was met, then follow the remainder of the track north-east, then east until it turns to descend south. Head for Loch nan Cnapan, a fine camping stop. If you're top bagging, then the insignificant Tom Dubh is 1km south-east-south from the Lochan. From the lochan head north-east for 3km up to Carn na Criche (marked 1265 on OS map) and proceed to Braeriach via the Wells of Dee.
Leave west-south-west and head over the plateau towards Einich Cairn. South, then follow the rim of Coire nan Clach down to 1050m, cross the burn and pick up a good path to head down Coire Dhondail to Loch Einich. Have a break at the loch to take in what you've just been up, then cycle back up Glen Einich.
Via the Lairig Ghru
Ascent 2150m, distance : 35km
This route misses out Monadh Mor and Beinn Bhrotain as these would require an awkward de-tour, however it's a fine journey taking in the Lairig Ghru and without the need for a mountain-bike.
3km beyond Loch Morlich, there is a car-park at the first sharp bend on the road to Cairngorm Ski Centre. Park here, cross the road and head downhill on a good path to cross the river via a bridge. Uphill, past a fenced area with hut, then follow the well maintained path on level ground for 3km to a narrow gap, where care is needed underfoot. Continue following the path down into the Lairig Ghru, cross the burn and head up a path onto the northern arm of Sron na Lairige. The path doesn't stick to the summit of this bouldery top at 1184m, but heads around the eastern side - it would be a shame to miss the top ! Continue on the path south-west-south to a bealach, then up to the crest of Braeriach's eastern arm around Coire Bhrochain. Follow the coire to the summit - care is needed in mist as cliffs seem to appear from nowhere.
Follow the main route described on the left over the Wells of Dee, to Sgor an Lochain Uaine, Cairn Toul, the Devil's point and down to Corrour Bothy. Once over the bridge, turn left on the path and head north for 9km through the Lairig Ghru, to cross the burn again and turn back to the car-park.
Sgor Mor - a corbett on its own
Ascent 525m, distance : 19km
Sgor Mor, a solitary corbett, can be included with the main route as a slight detour on the return to White Bridge. Or just done on its own. Head in from Linn of Dee to white bridge as already described. Now on the path on the east side of Dee, head 2km up until the first substiantial burn coming from your left is met. On your left you should be roughly opposite the section of felled forest on other side of the Dee. Cross this burn to its north side, turn north-eastwards and follow a faint path alongside the burn. The path disappears quite quickly, now aim for a rocky outcrop that you can see directly north-west above, crossing deep heather on the way. Once up to the outcrop, the heather becomes stunted and progress becomes much easier. Turn north-east-north and aim directly for Sgor Mor's summit. Heather is replaced by rock slabs and a shelter cairn is on the top. Return by same route, or alternatively, from the summit, head west. This route invloves dropping to a flat area and then a slight rise to a rocky area. Head left (south) and find a green area of grass below and around the rocky outcrop. Drop down this for a bit, then cross more heather to reach the path 1km further up Glen Dee from where you originally split off it. Return back along the path to White Bridge and return to Linn of Dee.
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