Ground Conditions: End of September and well into autumn. It has been a very hot summer, with serious fires in the Cairngorms centered around the area of Bynach More. Now, after some rain the ground is not as dry and there have been reports of the rivers being hard to cross. [September 2026]

Cairngorm and the Northern Coires

Cairngorm lends it's name not only to the peak itself, but also to the expansive high plateau to the south and the surrounding national park. The northern edge of the Cairngorm massif is defined by a series of dramatic coires. This route ascends Cairngorm before following the rim of these northern coires.

Section 1: Coire Cas Car Park to Cairngorm Summit
Distance: 3 kms. | Ascent: 640 m. | Estimated Time: 2 hrs. 10 min.
The primary ski area car park at Coire Cas, located at the end of the access road, is easily identifiable and typically busy with skiers, walkers, climbers, and funicular visitors year-round. On peak ski days, an early arrival is recommended to secure parking, though space is generally ample at other times.

While several paths ascend to the summit from Coire Cas—all passing through the ski area infrastructure—winter walkers should stay to the edge of the pistes alongside the snow fences for safety and courtesy toward skiers.

• From the car park, follow the road just past the Day Lodge and pass underneath the funicular railway track.
• Take the path ascending northeast up the steep slopes toward the ridge of Sròn an Aonaich (Windy Ridge).
• Follow the ridge crest up toward the Ptarmigan Restaurant.
• While a direct, marked path leads toward the summit from here, an alternative route contours east along a clear path outside the ski fence to reach the upper boundary of the ski development.
• Turn right, ascending past the Marquis Well to reach the summit plateau.

Section 2: Cairngorm Summit to Cairn Lochan via the Northern Coires
Distance: 3 kms. | Ascent: 120 m. | Estimated Time: 1 hrs. 10 min.

• From the summit, follow the path descending the western flank toward the col situated below the large cairn at the head of Fiacaill a' Choire Chais.
• Continue along the path as it curves upward to the summit of Stob Coire an t-Sneachda.
• Follow the coire rim westward toward the summit of Cairn Lochan.

Section 3: Cairn Lochan to Coire Cas Car Park
Distance: 4.5 kms. | Ascent: 0 m. | Estimated Time: 1 hrs. 20 min.

• From Cairn Lochan, continue along the cliff edge toward the flat plateau at the head of Coire Lochan.
• Join the well-defined path descending the ridge along the western side of Coire Lochan into the valley.
• Take the lower return path leading back toward the ski area infrastructure. This section offers fine views across the Spey Valley.
• Round the final bend past the lower lift stations to return to the Coire Cas car park.

gemini [AI] has been used to improve the text in this description

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