3,320 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Cairn Bannoch
Cairn Bannoch is a 3,320 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Via Broad Cairn: 14 mi, 2,790 ft of gain, Class 2.
Cairn Bannoch at a glance
- Elevation3,320 ft1,011 m
- RouteVia Broad CairnClass 2
- Distance14 mi2,790 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Via Broad Cairn
From Ballater, follow the B976 and the minor road up Glen Muick to its end. Start from the Spittal of Glenmuick car park (parking charge) and walk the track along the south side of Loch Muick, then climb the zigzag path to the plateau and cross the boulders of Broad Cairn. A well-worn path continues northwest across mossy ground to the small summit tor. Class 2 on boulders and plateau turf. Midges can be fierce in the glen in summer. Usually combined with Broad Cairn, or reached via the Dubh Loch on a longer circuit.
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
- Low visibility
- High winds
- Insects
- Boggy terrain
Quests with Cairn Bannoch
MunrosPeaks near Cairn Bannoch
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Cairn Bannoch?
Cairn Bannoch is 3,320 feet (1,011 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Cairn Bannoch rank among the Munros?
At 3,320 feet, Cairn Bannoch is the 117th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Cairn Bannoch?
The Via Broad Cairn is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 14 miles with 2,790 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Cairn Bannoch?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Via Broad Cairn, covering 14 miles with 2,790 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Cairn Bannoch?
The Via Broad Cairn needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 14 miles with 2,790 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 Cairn Bannoch?
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 Cairn Bannoch 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