Perhaps the easiest Munro to summit, thanks to a high car park and straightforward terrain, hikes up the Cairnwell provide an opportunity to bag three Munros in one go. The summit is found at 3,061 feet (933 m) but some of the Cairnwell’s potential magnificence is taken away by the industrial nature of the Glenshee Ski Centre, which litters the eastern slopes with chair lifts and access tracks.

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Cairngorms National Park

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Location: Mount Blair, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Tips

Alex Foxfield

June 23, 2022

Hiking

The Cairnwell is better known for the road beneath it and its ski developments than its beauty as a mountain viewpoint. However, it does hold the title of being the quickest Munro to summit when ascended straight from the pass. Once you're free from the ski paraphernalia, the hike over to Càrn nan Sac and Carn a'Gheoidh makes it all worthwhile.

Dan Hobson

February 6, 2019

Hiking

The Cairnwell is the most prominent of the group of three Munros on the west side of the Cairnwell pass. It is worth continuing a little beyond the summit of the Cairnwell to enjoy a grand view down Glen Shee.

drahteselfahrer

August 26, 2022

Hiking

Not a really nice summit, but the view is all the better for it!

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Best Hikes to Cairnwell Summit

4.5

(66)

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1. The Cairnwell Munros loop from Glenshee Ski Centre — Cairngorms National Park

12.7km

04:00

490m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.5

(4)

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2. The Cairnwell Summit loop from Spittal of Glenshee

5.14km

01:50

280m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

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Elevation 920 m

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Family Friendly

yes

Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

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Sunday 25 January

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43 %

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Max wind speed: 56.0 km/h

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Location: Mount Blair, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Cairnwell Summit

1. The Cairnwell Munros loop from Glenshee Ski Centre — Cairngorms National Park

2. The Cairnwell Summit loop from Spittal of Glenshee

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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