Braeriach by the Chalamain Gap
Through the boulder-choked Chalamain Gap and across the Lairig Ghru to Britain's third-highest mountain.
- Distance
- 22.1 km
- Ascent
- 1280 m
- Time
- 7–10 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 1296 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Braeriach by the Chalamain Gap is a hard 22.1 km out-and-back walk with 1,280 m of ascent, taking 7 to 10 hours. It starts at Sugar Bowl car park, Cairngorm ski road (grid reference NH 970 070). It climbs Braeriach (1,296 m), a Munro. The start can be reached by public transport.
Braeriach is a huge, remote mountain on the far side of the Lairig Ghru. From the Sugar Bowl, the route crosses the Chalamain Gap, a narrow ravine filled with granite boulders, and drops into the Lairig Ghru.
It then climbs the steep Sròn na Lairige onto the plateau and follows the rim of Coire Bhrochain to the summit. Nearby are the Wells of Dee, where the river rises at over 1,200 m. Return the same way. The Cairngorm plateau is the most arctic environment in Britain: storms arrive quickly, there's little shelter and navigation in cloud or snow is very hard. Check the Mountain Weather Information Service before you go.
Route
-
1
The Chalamain Gap
Follow the path across the moor and pick your way through the boulders of the Chalamain Gap.
-
2
Sròn na Lairige
Cross the Lairig Ghru and climb the steep ridge of Sròn na Lairige.
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3
The summit
Follow the rim of Coire Bhrochain to the summit. Return the same way.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Braeriach by the Chalamain Gap take?
- Most walkers take 7–10 hours for the 22.1 km route, which has 1,280 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Sugar Bowl car park, Cairngorm ski road (grid reference NH 970 070). Car park at the Sugar Bowl on the ski road.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Buses from Aviemore to Cairngorm stop nearby on request. Check times on Traveline Scotland.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Good path, then a boulder field in the Chalamain Gap; steep, rocky ridge; stony plateau.
- Which hill does it climb?
- Braeriach (1296 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Avalanche risk in winter; the Chalamain Gap is slow and awkward when icy.
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