Càrn an Fhreiceadain from Kingussie

Hillwalking route up Càrn an Fhreiceadain from Kingussie. Estate tracks make for a straightforward circular over the broad summit above the town.



Route outline


Corbetts

Càrn an Fhreiceadain

Ascent 680m (2230ft)
Distance 16km (10m)
Time 5:00hr*
Start/finish Gynack Road, Kingussie
Grid Ref : NN755013
Terrain
easyhard
Nav
easyhard
Effort
easyhard
Scenery
okfab
Standing on the fringes of the Monadhliath Mountains, Càrn an Fhreiceadain is a shy, rolling hill overlooking Strath Spey.

The circular route described here begins from the golf course above Kingussie and follows estate tracks for much of its length into the Monadhliath and over the summit.

After around 2km on tarmac, the track becomes rougher but remains cycleable as it climbs steadily onto higher ground. A distinctive leaning, well-built cairn is passed just before the true summit is reached.

Unless covered by deep snow, navigation is generally straightforward when keeping to the tracks.

Route map

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Route description


1. Getting to Kingussie Golf Club

Start by Kingussie Golf Course

Start by Kingussie Golf Course

In the heart of Kingussie, just to the west of the traffic-lights at the town's crossroads, Gynack Road heads north overlooking the west bank of the Allt Mòr. Ardvone car-park is just up from the start of this road where there are also public toilets.

The hillwalking route up Càrn an Fhreiceadain begins from a further 1km up Gynack Road at the entrance to Kingussie Golf Club. There is parking available here (the sign does say private parking, but there doesn't seem to be any objection to parking if the golf club isn't busy).


2. Càrn an Fhreiceadain

Cairn just before Carn an Fhreiceadain

Cairn just before Carn an Fhreiceadain

Just before the entrance to Kingussie Golf Club, there is a bridge over the Allt Mòr - cross this and begin to walk up Ardbroilach Road. Pass the remaining houses of Kingussie, the road heads into Kingussie Golf Club, and travels northwards into Glen Gynack.

After around 2km walking, Pitmain Lodge is reached, with a sign pointing to the right to Càrn an Fhreiceadain. Just beyond this, another sign indicates the choice of heading up a west or east route up Càrn an Fhreiceadain - I'd prefer doing a circular clockwise route, therefore heading west first.

Over a bridge, past some sheds, over another bridge and through a gate in a deer-fence, it's on to open hillside. Ignore the track signposted 'North Gynack' and keep heading uphill.

The track continues uphill for around 2km to an interesting moraine with woodland, then drops down to cross the Allt Mòr onto its northern bank.

The track now begins to climb more steeply and comes to a couple of junctions - keep left at the first and right at the next . The track now on more gentle gradient, climbs all the way to Càrn an Fhreiceadain's flat summit, just before which is a tall and well constructed rectangular cairn , which is now beginning to tilt. There is trig point sheltering within a dyke on the top and fine views are to be had from here.


3. Beinn Bhreac and return

Looking down to Beinn Bhreac from Càrn an Fhreiceadain

Looking down to Beinn Bhreac from Càrn an Fhreiceadain

From Càrn an Fhreiceadain's trig point, continue north-east on the track towards Càrn an Fhreiceadain's minor north-east summit .

The descent begins with the track turning south-east and dropping to a col, before heading up a slight rise to meet up with the small cairn on Beinn Bhreac .

Now heading south, the track makes for a quick an fairly uneventful descent back to the forests surrounding Pitmain, passing a small stalker's bothy on the way.

The bridge by Pitmain Lodge is met again, beyond which simply retrace your steps back to Kingussie.




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* Times shown are estimates – see timing notes on the disclaimer page for more information.



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