4,252 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Braeriach
Braeriach is a 4,252 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Chalamain Gap and Sron na Lairige: 12 mi, 3,770 ft of gain, Class 2.
Braeriach at a glance
- Elevation4,252 ft1,296 m
- RouteChalamain Gap and Sron na LairigeClass 2
- Distance12 mi3,770 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Chalamain Gap and Sron na Lairige
From Aviemore, follow the B970 and the Cairngorm ski road past Loch Morlich to the Sugar Bowl car park on a hairpin bend (pay and display). A path crosses Utsi's Bridge and climbs to the Chalamain Gap, a narrow ravine of large boulders that must be clambered through (Class 2). Descend into the Lairig Ghru, cross the burn and climb the long Sron na Lairige ridge to the summit on the rim of Coire Bhrochain. The plateau needs careful navigation in mist, and big cornices build on the corrie edge. Midges swarm at the car park in summer. Strong walkers continue to Sgor an Lochain Uaine and Cairn Toul.
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
- Cornices
- Low visibility
- High winds
- Steep exposure
- Insects
Quests with Braeriach
MunrosPeaks near Braeriach
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Braeriach?
Braeriach is 4,252 feet (1,296 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Braeriach rank among the Munros?
At 4,252 feet, Braeriach is the 3rd highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Braeriach?
The Chalamain Gap and Sron na Lairige is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 3,770 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Braeriach?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Chalamain Gap and Sron na Lairige, covering 12 miles with 3,770 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Braeriach?
The Chalamain Gap and Sron na Lairige needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 3,770 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 Braeriach?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Braeriach 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