Braeriach Route Information

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Braeriach

Quick Facts

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.

OS Landranger Maps Required

36	Grantown & Aviemore, Cairngorm Mountains

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A brief summary of this route.

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.

Weather

Cairngorms * Monadhliath
by MWIS (PDF format)

East Highlands
by Met Office

Braeriach
by Metcheck

Images of Braeriach

from sgor gaoith looking across glen einich

Image by John Henderson

Braeriach from Ben Macdui 14 Feb 06

Image by Mark Stevens

Braeriach across the massive snow melt swamp below the Wells of Dee.

Image by David Lee

At the summit of Sgor an Lochain Uaine looking to Carn na Criche, Garbh Coire and Braeriach NN954977

Image by Brian Howarth

Route Area Map

Legend

Munro

Corbett

Graham

English/Welsh Top

Accommodation

A selection of local accommodation options who advertise with Munromagic.com.

Where to Stay

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sponsored accommodation listings for this area.

Rating & Reviews

Rating & Reviews

Rated:

from 7 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.

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