3,553 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Beinn a' Chaorainn
Beinn a' Chaorainn is a 3,553 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Glen Derry and Lairig an Laoigh: 15 mi, 2,620 ft of gain, Class 2.
Beinn a' Chaorainn at a glance
- Elevation3,553 ft1,082 m
- RouteNormal Route via Glen Derry and Lairig an LaoighClass 2
- Distance15 mi2,620 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Normal Route via Glen Derry and Lairig an Laoigh
From Braemar, drive west to the Linn of Dee car park (parking charge) and cycle or walk the Glen Lui track to Derry Lodge, leaving bikes by the rescue hut. Follow the path up the east side of Glen Derry through old pinewoods and on to the high point of the Lairig an Laoigh, then climb northeast over stony Class 2 slopes to the large summit cairn. Paths are faint above the pass and the ground is wet after rain. Usually combined with Beinn Bhreac across the peat hags of the Moine Bhealaidh. Carry map and compass, as the plateau has few landmarks in cloud.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Boggy terrain
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- Low visibility
Quests with Beinn a' Chaorainn
MunrosPeaks near Beinn a' Chaorainn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Beinn a' Chaorainn?
Beinn a' Chaorainn is 3,553 feet (1,082 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Beinn a' Chaorainn rank among the Munros?
At 3,553 feet, Beinn a' Chaorainn is the 58th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Beinn a' Chaorainn?
The Normal Route via Glen Derry and Lairig an Laoigh is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 15 miles with 2,620 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Beinn a' Chaorainn?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Normal Route via Glen Derry and Lairig an Laoigh, covering 15 miles with 2,620 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Beinn a' Chaorainn?
The Normal Route via Glen Derry and Lairig an Laoigh needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 15 miles with 2,620 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Beinn a' Chaorainn?
The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Beinn a' Chaorainn with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list