CORVID-19 is still with us even though most restrictions have been relaxed in Scotland. The risks of infection are lower if outside, there is still a risk if mixing in large groups. Even so, please do not go out in the Cairngorms, or anywhere else, if you are showing signs of Corvid-19 and when out walking make sure you give people space - 1m at least and preferable 2m. Remember that if it feels too crowded then you can walk away and try somewhere else, the hills will still be there tomorrow. Also remember the MRT. They will come out to rescue you but they should not have to put themselves into danger from this virus.

A number of these routes start and finish at the main Cairngorm car park. Currently there is significant building work being undertaken in repairing the funicular. The site is fenced off to keep people out but there are routes across the work for walkers. Please keep out of this dangerous building site and follow the contractor's instructions.

Beinn Bhreac and Beinn a'Chaorainn

Beinn Bhreac and Beinn a'Chaorainn
Beinn Bhreac [NO058971, 931]
Beinn Chaorainn [NJ045013, 1082]
OS map : 36 & 43
start : Linn of Dee
gridref : NO065897
summary : Linn of Dee - Derry Lodge - Beinn Bhreac - Beinn a'Chaorainn - Derry Lodge - Linn of Dee
distance : 28.0km.
ascent : 830m.
time taken : 9hr. 40min.

These hills are right in the centre of the main Cairngorm plateau and hence difficult to get to. There are many ways to climb these hills, either individually or together. Perhaps the best is to ascend from the south. Another possibility is to 'bag' these hills as part of a major multi-day cairngorm backpack!

There is a large car park at the Linn of Dee that gives easy access to the Cairngorms from the south. Often busy especially in the good weather. Sitiuated at the Linn of Dee on the minor road west of Braemar.

From the car park walk or cycle up the track to Derry lodge where the cycles should be left. Walk a further 1.5km. up Glen Derry on the E side of the river, then turn off the track north east through scrub towards the bealach between Meall an Lundain and Beinn Bhreac. Continue over the rough ground to the summit. Beinn Bhreac's summit is the east of the two tops. A cairn is set in the middle of a flat summit. (9kms. 570m. 3hrs. 50min.)

Leave the summit north west to Craig Derry and then turn north east for 2km. following a line along the flat wet and peatly bealach between the two hills. The best (driest) route is to keep to the highest ground wherever possible. Continue north up the steeper slopes of Beinn a Chaorainn on easier ground. The summit cairn is set on the south west side of the flat summit area. (5kms. 260m. 2hrs. 0min.)

Leave the summit south west and make towards the summit of the Lairig an Laoigh turning steeply W for the final 0.5km. Follow this path south to Derry Lodge and then back to the road.(14kms. 0m. 4hrs. 10min.)