Càrn Glas-choire from the Dava Moor
Biking route to Càrn Glas-choire from near Lochindorb on Dava Moor, cycleable via windfarm tracks, best done anti-clockwise for fast descent.
Route outline
| Fionas | ||||
| Walk ascent | 50m (160ft) | |||
| distance | 2km (1m) | |||
| time | 0:30hr | |||
| Bike ascent | 700m (2290ft) | |||
| distance | 35km (22m) | |||
| time | 2:20hr | |||
| Start/finish | Old Military Road on Dava Moor Grid Ref : NH942383 | |||
| Terrain |
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| Nav |
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| Effort |
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| Scenery |
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The route passes through stretches of peat bog and weaves among striking rocky formations as it crosses the plateau surrounding Càrn Glas-choire.
This is a highly rideable route, with cycling possible almost to the summit, leaving only a short walk over grass and heather to reach the top.
At the summit, a trig point stands beside the remnants of a cairn, with views extending towards the Cairngorms, Ben Rinnes and the Moray Firth.
Estate tracks, bothies and grouse butts reflect the area’s long association with sporting estates, though parts of the moor are still recovering from the wildfires of 2025 that stripped vegetation and affected local wildlife.
Route map
Route description
1. Getting to the Dava Moor
Entrance to Tom nan Clach Wind Farm
The B9007 travels from near Carrbridge nothwards towards Forres crossing the vast expanse of the Dava Moor. Around 3km north of the junction with the narrow road that heads around Lochindorb is the access road for the Tom nan Clach wind farm. There is ample parking for several cars by the side of this entrance.
The route returns to the roadside by Auchterteang Farm, some 13km south of the start point. Should you wish to park here instead, then there is some space around 300m to the south of the access to the farm, by the entrance of a forestry road.
2. Càrn Glas-choire
Wind farm track with Carn Glas-choire in distance
Begin your ride by following the wind farm road as it crosses gently undulating ground for 8km, ignoring any side tracks.
The road dips to cross a burn, where a junction appears 
with tracks heading north and south.
Take the left track heading south. Cross through a gate and over a cattle grid.
Continue on the track as it climbs gently through heather on the ground to the south of Càrn a' Gharbh-ghlaic, before dropping to a grass-covered patch surrounding a burn. Nestled to the side of this is a small bothy and pony-shelter 
.
By the bothy, the track leads directly uphill on the shoulder of Càrn Glas-choire.
The rough track gains about 100m in elevation and eventually reaches a junction 
.
Turn onto the steep track to the right, which climbs up Leac an Daimh aiming directly for Càrn Glas-choire. Higher up the track dips, turns through peat bog and past rocky outcrops and onto the plateau surrounding Càrn Glas-choire.
At a suitable point by the highest point on the track 
, leave your bike, turn south-west and walk a short distance to the summit 
across pathless ground covered in soft grass and heather.
Looking up Leac an Daimh to Càrn Glas-choire
Looking up Leac an Daimh to Càrn Glas-choire
3. Return
On Càrn Glas-choire's summit, looking to the Cairngorms
From Càrn Glas-choire's summit, return to your bike, then begin descending down the track heading south-east. The track becomes progressively steeper and smoother - a real hoot to free-wheel down !
As the track evens out, it reaches junction 
- turn left onto another estate track, pass a smart green bothy of Garrochar, and continue to a large deer fence 
with a gate and cattle grid.
Bothy at Garrochar, looking back up Tom nan Gabhar and Càrn Glas-choire
. From here, the track leads to the roadside 
from where a 13km cycle back along the quiet B9007 returns to the wind farm access road.Bothy at Garrochar, looking back up Tom nan Gabhar and Càrn Glas-choire
Maps and GPX downloads »
Route profile »
Weather forecasts »
| Regional | MWIS - Cairngorms and Monadhliath |
| Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
| Seasonal | SAIS - Northern Cairngorms Midge forecast |
Alternative and nearby routes »
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|
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Càrn na h-Easgainn from Strathdearn | |
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Cromdale Hills | |
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Ben Rinnes from Glen Rinnes and Dufftown | |
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Càrn na Saobhaidhe from Strathdearn | |
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Bike and hike route to Càrn na Saobhaidhe via Strathdearn. Cycle into the Monadhliath, then walk up moorland slopes above Corriegarth windfarm turbines. Peaks : 1 Corbett
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* Times shown are estimates – see timing notes on the disclaimer page for more information.
