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 a'Ghlo.

Beinn a'Ghlo.
Carn nan Gabhar [NN971733, 1120]
Braigh Coire Chruinn-Bhalgain [NN946724, 1070]
Carn Laith [NN936698, 976]
OS map : 43
start : Loch Moraig.
gridref : NN906671
summary : Loch Moraig - Carn Laith - Braigh Coire Chruinn-Bhalgain - Carn nan Gabhar - Loch Moraig
distance : 20.5km.
ascent : 1150m.
time taken : 8hr. 10min.

Carn Liath

Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain

Carn nan Ghabhar

Beinn a'Ghlo ia a large hill easily visible from the A9 above Blair Atholl. It comprises of 3 separate Munros. Due to the geography, the hills lie in a line south west to north east, once completed the walker is only half way and must return by the same route, or face a bit of a bogy trek.

Follow the small out of Blair Athol to Loch Moraig. There is a small parking area at the end of the road, just past the cattle grid.

Leave the car park and after 100m go through the gate. Follow the track to the hut, over the stile. To avoid the worst of the wet boggy land, follow the track around the hillside for 80m to te gate. From here turn north and follow the line of the stone wall, initially over the boggy land, and then up the hilside. This path is followed to the summit. Towards the top the nature of the rock changes to a grey rock, giving the hill it's name. There is a cairn and trig at the summit, the cairn is the true summit. On a good day there are good views north to the rest of the Beinn a'Ghlo range. (4.5kms. 650m. 2hrs. 40min.)

From the summit, descend the ridge, which curve to the west and once at the bealach, curves back right. Good slopes on Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgan take the walker to the summit marked with a cairn. This is a twisty ridge, and care must be taken in poor visibility. Best to keep to the summit where little difficulty is found. (3.0kms. 200m. 1hrs. 20min.)

Again the route follows the high ridge onto Carn nan Gabhar. From the summit of Braigh Coire Chruinn-Bhalgain, the route follows the ridge in an easterly direction before a very steep descent to the low bealach. Then an equally steep climb to Carn nan Ghabhar to reach the ridge. Then the route goes north east to the summit, again along the summit ridge. As the whole route between the hills occupies such an elevated postition there are great views over the southern Cairngorms and south over much of highland Perthshire. A trig point marks the summit. (3.5kms. 300m. 1hrs. 40min.)

Now to get back. The final hill is the furthest point from the car so it is a long way back. One option is to retrace the route back to Loch Moraig, but this involves a lot of climbing.. Alternativly retrace the summit ridge for 1km then climb Airgoid Bheinn. Descend this hill down the south west ridge to get to the river system. Then there is a wet and boggy 2km to reach the end of the track at NN949686. From here the route follows the track downhill back to Loch Moraig. (9.5kms. 0m. 2hrs. 50min.)