Derry Cairngorm and Beinn Mheadhoin
Through the old pines at Derry Lodge to Loch Etchachan and two high Munros in the heart of the Cairngorms.
- Distance
- 31.7 km
- Ascent
- 1160 m
- Time
- 9–12.5 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 1183 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
Derry Cairngorm and Beinn Mheadhoin is a hard 31.7 km out-and-back walk with 1,160 m of ascent, taking 9 to 12.5 hours. It starts at Linn of Dee car park (grid reference NO 062 896). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Beinn Mheadhoin at 1,183 m.
From the Linn of Dee, the route follows the track to Derry Lodge among old Caledonian pines, then climbs into the high country around Loch Etchachan, one of the highest lochs in Britain.
Derry Cairngorm is a bouldery summit above the loch, and Beinn Mheadhoin, 'the middle hill', is crowned by granite tors called the barns: the true summit needs an easy scramble. 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
Derry Lodge
Follow the track north to Derry Lodge.
-
2
Derry Cairngorm
Climb the ridge to Derry Cairngorm.
-
3
Beinn Mheadhoin
Drop to Loch Etchachan and climb Beinn Mheadhoin, then return.
Summits
1156 m
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does Derry Cairngorm and Beinn Mheadhoin take?
- Most walkers take 9–12.5 hours for the 31.7 km route, which has 1,160 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 Linn of Dee car park (grid reference NO 062 896). Linn of Dee car park (National Trust for Scotland, charge).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Long track; good paths to Loch Etchachan; bouldery ridges; an easy scramble on Beinn Mheadhoin's summit tor.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Beinn Mheadhoin (1183 m, Munro); Derry Cairngorm (1156 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Deer stalking takes place on these hills from mid-August to October. Stick to the main paths and check Heading for the Scottish Hills before you go. Many people cycle the long approach tracks.
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Walks nearby
All walks near Braemar
The Devil's Point, Cairn Toul and Sgòr an Lochain Uaine
Linn of Dee
39.5 km · 1360 m · 11–15.5 h
