Càrn na Caim and A' Bhuidheanach Bheag

On the track heading to A' Bhuidheanach Bheag

This route starts on the east side of the A9, 1km south of the Dalwhinnie junction, where a track heads into a section of forest.

There is limited parking available at the roadside here with more in lay-by 87 on the other side of the road a few metres south.

A' Bhuidheanach Bheag's summit trig, with Schiehallion distant

From the large gate (often open), go through the planted forest and head up the track.

The track turns south and climbs for 1km, before heading east, then turning south-east for the last 200m ascent up to the plateau.

As it approaches the old quarry, the path seems to disappear into gravel, at this point , contour off to the right (south-east) on a faint path for around 500m. This avoids an unnecessary ascent up to a minor summit (marked 902m on OS maps) and you'll re-join the track again around 300m south of the minor summit, this time beside a line of fence-posts.

Follow the track and fence-posts south, over a bump for 1km to its end , then cross the wet ground and head southwards directly uphill.

After climbing up grassy slopes for another 1km, you should meet up with the line of fence-posts to take you to the summit of a' Bhuidheanach Bheag with its lonely trig point.

Càrn na Caim's summit with Meall Chuaich beyond

About-turn at A' Bhuidheanach Bheag's trig point and return north following the fence-posts for 500m to retrace steps downhill from the sharp turn in the fence-line . Rejoin the track heading northwards uphill.

Back over the bump and then where you joined the track, instead continue over the minor summit (marked 902m on OS maps) .

Continue following the fence-posts or track over another minor summit (marked 914m on OS maps) on towards Càrn na Caim.

Over undulating ground, around the top of Coire Uilleim , reach a sharp turn in the fence-line just before Càrn na Caim's summit. Càrn na Caim's summit cairn cannot be seen from the turn in the fence-line, but the worn path on the ground indicates the way.

Following fence posts back along Càrn na Caim

Leave Càrn na Caim's summit cairn and retrace your steps for around 1km to the top of Coire Uilleim . Leave the track and begin contouring westwards for around another 1km.

Now keeping to the crest of the shoulder between Coire nan Cisteeachan and Coire Uilleim, enjoy some bounding as you descend over thick heather, back down towards the A9.

Pick up the track and return to the roadside.