Carn Aosda, The Cairnwell and Carn a' Gheòidh
Three of the easiest Munros, from the Glenshee ski centre at the top of Britain's highest main road.
- Distance
- 12.8 km
- Ascent
- 640 m
- Time
- 4–5.5 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 976 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
Carn Aosda, The Cairnwell and Carn a' Gheòidh is a moderate 12.8 km out-and-back walk with 640 m of ascent, taking 4 to 5.5 hours. It starts at Glenshee ski centre, A93 (grid reference NO 138 781). It climbs 3 listed hills, the highest Carn a' Gheoidh at 976 m.
The A93 crosses the Cairnwell Pass at about 670 m, the highest public main road in Britain, and the Glenshee ski centre gives a very high start. Carn Aosda and The Cairnwell are short climbs through the ski area.
From The Cairnwell, a longer ridge walk leads west to Carn a' Gheòidh before the route returns. The ski infrastructure isn't pretty, but the views west are big.
Route
-
1
Carn Aosda
Climb the track through the ski area to Carn Aosda.
-
2
The Cairnwell
Cross to The Cairnwell.
-
3
Carn a' Gheòidh
Follow the ridge west to Carn a' Gheòidh, then return.
Summits
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does Carn Aosda, The Cairnwell and Carn a' Gheòidh take?
- Most walkers take 4–5.5 hours for the 12.8 km route, which has 640 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 Glenshee ski centre, A93 (grid reference NO 138 781). Large car park at the ski centre.
- 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 moderate. Ski-area tracks and paths; broad, stony ridges.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Carn a' Gheoidh (976 m, Munro); The Cairnwell (933 m, Munro); Carn Aosda (915 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Keep clear of ski operations in winter.
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Walks nearby
All walks near Braemar
Glas Maol, Creag Leacach, Cairn of Claise and Carn an Tuirc
Glenshee
19.6 km · 890 m · 6–8 h
Carn a' Gheoidh from Glenshee ski centre
Glenshee ski centre
9.1 km · 390 m · 2.5–3.5 h