The Cairnwell 3 Munros circuit

The Cairnwell circuit is kind of looked down on in some reports but we had a really enjoyable day. When we left Braemar it was a blue sky warm day. But when we drove 5 miles to the start the hills were covered in cloud. What would win?

Carn Aosda ahead

We parked at the Glenshee larger parking area on the east side. First objective Carn Aosda. As per the Walkhighlands route we walked across the gravelled yard to join a track climbing steeply uphill. This steep track, sometimes grassy, sometimes small stones and rocks continues for 30 minutes. Sometimes meanders sometimes straight up for about 300 metres. It looks a lot stepper when viewed from the Cairnwell. But once you hit the top almost there turn right for 20 metres and there. Not sure why the prominent cairn is on a nearby hill at 888m? Still job done in 40 minutes.

The Cairnwell from Carn Aosda

No significant low cloud we could see around us even seeing the top of The Cairnwell.

Drop down to this bealach

Now time to relax and follow the track south, but above, Loch Vrotachan. An obvious track cuts across left aiming for the crags of Creag a' Choire Dhirich. A good place for a break and enjoy the view.

Cloud covering Carn a' Gheoidh

A small lochan is passed closely but ominously our next summit target is covered in cloud.
However, a well worn track takes us along level to the base of Carn a'Gheoidh and thankfully the cloud clears. Now, is a final short stony climb to the cairn. 

Carn a' Gheoidh cairn

Although this is the highest of the three peaks at 975 metres it doesn’t feel like it as harder climbs to both Aosda and Cairnwell. However as WH says it does have a feeling of remoteness and escape. The sound of silence dominates the senses. Glas Tulaichean is the prominent hill ahead. 
There is no shortage of hares up here and some are pretty big indeed.
Leaving the summit we backtracked for a while then headed to Carn nan Sac for lunch. 

Creag a' Choire Dhirich

The views into Creag a’ Choire Dhirich and across to the Cairnwell, absolutely superb.
It was atmospheric as the clouds were now drifting in and out but it was a fine walk along the top of the Choire taking it all in.

Cairnwell summit looking back to Carn a' Gheodich

After dropping a bit we then followed the first rough path flanking The Cairnwell, it looked a lot more imposing from the other side. Then rejoining the tourist track for the final climb up to the last top, a very messy one, enough said about that.

Back down the grassy slopes to the car

On descending just after the chairlift there was a gap in the fence so we went through and descended the grassy slopes from there. Easier walking than the stony track.
Overall we took our time enjoying the day. You could shave at least an hour off our time if you were in a hurry.
As said a really good day and pleased I did the circuit. Nothing to be frowned upon unless you used the chairlift to get up as quite a few were doing.


Time: 5.19hr
Distance: 7.94m 
Ascent: 2126ft