Cume de Glas Maol

The huge, domed summit of Glas Maol makes for a glorious and surprisingly accessible objective. Hikes to Glas Maol’s mossy, broad crest are a real delight, as if the land was sculpted with hillwalking in mind. This gorgeous part of the Mounth plateau stays consistently above 2,600 feet (800 m), giving you a tangible sense of freedom as you stride out along the high trails.

Glorious high hillwalking in a sumptuous region of the Cairngorms National Park

Many walking routes to Glas Maol begin along the Cairnwell Pass, the highest main road in the UK. Thanks to this, few high mountain summits in the Cairngorms National Park are as quick to attain.

The north western slopes of the mountain form a large part of the Glenshee Ski and Snowboard development, along with neighbours Carn Aosda and the Cairnwell. If you’re after a purer hiking experience away from the ski paraphernalia, it is best to avoid this area. Linking Glas Maol to nearby Creag Leacach is an excellent way to achieve this, earning yourself another Munro tick whilst you are at it. 

Navigation is straightforward even in low cloud thanks to a drystone dyke that runs between the two summits. If you’re still not sated, it is also possible to link Glas Maol to other Munros to the north east.

The summit is a grand viewpoint for the rolling splendour of the Mounth. Neighbouring high points Carn an Tuirc and Creag Leacach look particularly splendid from the summit trig, whilst you can spy distant Lochnagar in the northeast.

Thanks to the Glenshee Ski and Snowboard development, there are plenty of hotels, B&Bs, cabins and lodges nearby. Braemar is the closest centre; the village is beautifully situated in the heart of the national park.

In calm winter conditions, Glas Maol may be achievable via Creag Leacach due to its quick access from the road and the navigational aid of the dyke. However, ice and snow underfoot may warrant the use of an ice axe and crampons.