The Cairnwell Munros Walk

The Cairnwell Munros Walk is a great choice for those looking for straightforward hillwalking, some fantastic views and 3 more Scottish Munros to add to their belt. In normal conditions, the path, although indistinct at times, is easy to navigate. Some boggy sections along the way make proper footwear a good idea and it’s best to tackle this walk when conditions are favourable.

With the famous Cairnwell Pass well within your reach, you’ll set out from the Glenshee Ski Centre to begin the walk after parking by the cafe found off the main road’s west side. Aim for the main ski building as you leave the car park behind then turn left to join the track that rises steeply uphill.

You’ll soon reach the ridge that stretches west of Càrn Aosda and from here you’ll continue straight uphill towards the first summit. From 3009ft, you’ll enjoy the beauty of your surroundings from this advantageous point, although the ski developments in the area do take away from this a bit.

Returning to the junction that meets the summit ridge, you’ll set out along this ridge following it to reach a bealach perched just above Loch Vrotachan. Drink in the views as you prepare for another climb. A second bealach is then reached, which you’ll cross, enjoying a few solitary lochans as you press on to the plateau of Càrn nan Sac. Once the summit of Càrn a’Ghèoidh is reached, you can congratulate yourself for reaching the highest of the 3 summits on this walk and enjoy the feeling of remoteness that abounds here.

Head back down to the bealach and continue on to your final summit, The Cairnwell. From here you’ll enjoy expansive, clear views down Glen Shee. From the summit of the Cairnwell, return down the ridge track to the bealach found below Carn Aosda. Follow the solid track which descends the corrie and leads back to the outward route. Continue back to the cafe parking lot where the walk began, and pat yourself on the back for tackling 3 Scottish Munros!