This is the summed total of all the climbing within a route and is a good indicator of the strenuousness of a route.
Total Ascent
1326 m
An estimate of the time taken based on a derivation of Naismiths rules. Our calculation is based on the horizontal and ascent components of a climb, we do not make a reduction for descent.
Registered users can customise these walking times by specifying their own walking and ascending speeds. They can also add a fixed time period for stoppages.
Route Time
6.5 hrs
The horizontal distance of the route.
Route Distance
20.68 km
The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.
You can click on the map name to purchase the map for £6.29 including postage which is one of the cheapest prices we have found.
Our summary will always contain one of easy, moderate or hard to indicate the severity of the route.
Notes
A relatively long route route, though not particularly strenuous( only 1000m ascent over 6h), mainly on well trodden paths with wonderful views down the Lairig Ghru.
Here we provide the nearest town to the start of the route where you will find basic services.
We then give directions from that location to the route start. Your approach route may differ.
Travel Information
Head to: Aviemore
From Aviemore (B9152), follow the signs for Coylumbridge W on B970. Cross the River Spey and take the road for the Cairngorm Ski Centre. Where the road leaves the forest and starts to climb there is a sharp left hand bend in the road with a large car park in the apex of the bend.
Route Waypoint Map
The total ascent is 1,326 metres. Allow 6.5 hours to complete this 20.68 km route.
In winter months please check the local snow conditions at sais.gov.uk.
The hillphones service can inform you of stalking activities in the area.
Usually the shortest way to climb the mountain, making best use of tracks and paths to gain altitude. Route navigation requires map reading skills and an ability to navigate with a compass.
The information given here will enable you to annotate your map and plan your route. We do not give anecdotal descriptions on where to find the paths, worn by the feet of previous mountaineers.
Where the access routes are few or the ridge is narrow, paths are generally obvious. On open ground, following paths without using your compass may get you lost in poor visibility.
Route Information
Waypoint Detail
Start from carpark on inside of bend on road to Ski Centre
NH98530740
Distance
Altitude 466 m
1
Cross road and descend S to bridge over river
NH98430713
Distance 0.35 km
Altitude 463 m
2
Ascend opposite bank and follow path S turning SW to Chalamain Gap
NH96500525
Distance 3.15 km
Altitude 700 m
3
Descend SSW to Lairig Ghru and cross river
NH95880373
Distance 1.75 km
Altitude 600 m
4
Ascend SW turning SSE on ridge to summit of Sron na Lairige
NH96520057
Distance 3.46 km
Altitude 1175 m
5
Bear SW turning W to summit of Braeriach
NN95349992
Distance 1.63 km
Altitude 1296 m
6
Reverse route to return
NH98530740
Distance 10.34 km
Altitude 466 m
A selection of weather forecasts local to this route.
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Rating & Reviews
Rating & Reviews
Rated:
from 6 votes
Click Stars to Vote
Your Rating
Written by
Mike Watson
on 07 Sep 2005:
A good route with many varied opportunities. Nothing too strenuous and the views are just amazing from the top!
Bits of the route where the path is faint likely to be boggy but overall the path is good.
Did the route in 40mph+ gales but no rain, will return during nicer weather and do the full circuit of the other 3 peaks on the ridge.
Written by
Alan Sheppard
on 18 Aug 2005:
Completed this walk in poor weather, rain, mist and wind, the navigation was easy enough as there is a path that you can follow, I am planning to do this again on a clear day as I am sure the views will be worth it. When you drop down into the Lairig Ghru carry on up the burn for about 30 yards and there is a better path to ascend up the other side, which you cant see till you are there.
Written by
Adam Rixon
on 14 Jan 2005:
A 'superstar' Munro not just in terms of height. What with a fairly long walk in, in the majestic setting of the central Cairngorms, you get a good taste of the characteristics of the mountains before even starting the climb. The first part of the walk is exposed, and strong winds can slow progress, but there's an enjoyable scramble in the Chalamain Gap and crossing of the Lairig Ghru.
Coupled with the climb itself, you've got all the components for a classic day in the Cairngorms, concluding with the spectacular views from the top.
Written by
Terry Thomson
on 20 Jun 2002:
An easy walk in over well maintained path. Care should be taken through the Chalamain Gap boulder field, as it is not too difficult to turn an ankle.
Once across the Lharig Ghru the ascent is gradual and moderately easy, with a short dip in the path before rising to the summit.
Once on the summit, the cairn is perched close to a sheer drop into Coire Brochain, but the views are a just reward.
Disclaimer. The details provided above are an aid to planning an expedition, but all distances, altitudes and bearings must be considered approximate. You must navigate with the appropriate map,
a compass, your navigation skills and common sense, MunroMagic.com accept no responsibility for your interpretation of our route information.
