Glas Maol Munros Circular Walk

Escape the city and experience the beauty of the remote Cairngorms on the superb Glas Maol Munros Circular Walk. From the grassy hills to the endless panoramic views, this walk is guaranteed to immerse you in the pristine beauty of the Cairngorms, whilst challenging you to reach 4 incredible summits, all conveniently accessible with little descent between them. The approach in particular features some boggy sections, so waterproof shoes are a must.

From the parking layby, spot the wooden bridge and instead of heading towards this, join the rugged path that leads down to an older stone bridge. After passing two sets of old shielings, continue on the path as it leads towards a tributary burn. Spot an ideal place to cross the burn, then press on towards the first summit, Càrn an Tuirc.

Enjoy views back over the Cairnwell Pass from atop Càrn an Tuirc then look out for the peak’s subsidiary cairn, from where you’ll walk ESE to descend towards a grassy track below. Set out along the grassy track SSE making your way towards the Cairn of Claise. When a drystone wall is reached up ahead, follow it to climb to the summit of Cairn of Claise.

A little further on, you’ll join another track found to the left of a small lochan. You’ll then blaze a trail across Glas Maol’s east side. When a good path of ascent presents itself, take it and head for the large cairn and pillar that marks the summit of Glas Maol. Enjoy the views from this walk’s highest summit, as the Cairngorms sprawl endlessly before you.

Up next, you’ll cross the grassy terrain that paves the way as you walk SW towards Bathach Beag. Follow the wall southwards along the ridge and reach the bealach where you’ll note a small stone shelter. Enjoy the rocky slopes as you rise and fall. You’ll soon find yourself set up for the final ascent of Creag Leacach.

If walking in the summer, your best path of descent will be to return by tracing your steps back to Bathach Beag’s cairn. From here, you’ll follow an undefined path that wraps around the west side of Glas Maol.

Once the Meall Odhar side is reached, proceed in a zig-zag fashion down Glas Maol’s path of descent. When the ski tows are reached, pick up the track that leads through the ski area’s upper parts soon passing some ski buildings. Follow the track that leads you to the top of the Cairnwell Pass then walk 1.5mi downhill northwards to return to the start of the walk.