3,491 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Cairn of Claise
Cairn of Claise is a 3,491 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Sron na Gaoithe Ridge: 5 mi, 1,970 ft of gain, Class 1.
Cairn of Claise at a glance
- Elevation3,491 ft1,064 m
- RouteSron na Gaoithe RidgeClass 1
- Distance5 mi1,970 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Sron na Gaoithe Ridge
From Braemar, follow the A93 south through Glen Clunie towards Glenshee. Start from the A93 lay-by at Sean Spittal Bridge, cross the Clunie Water by the footbridge and climb the path onto the ridge east of Sron na Gaoithe. A track leads southeast to the plateau, then a wall and old boundary posts guide you to the rocky summit. Class 1 on paths and tracks. The plateau is wide and featureless and some ground is wet. Usually combined with Carn an Tuirc, Tolmount and Tom Buidhe, or with Glas Maol from the ski centre.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 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
- Boggy terrain
- High winds
Quests with Cairn of Claise
MunrosPeaks near Cairn of Claise
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Cairn of Claise?
Cairn of Claise is 3,491 feet (1,064 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Cairn of Claise rank among the Munros?
At 3,491 feet, Cairn of Claise is the 71st highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Cairn of Claise?
The Sron na Gaoithe Ridge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 5 miles with 1,970 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Cairn of Claise?
Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Sron na Gaoithe Ridge, covering 5 miles with 1,970 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Cairn of Claise?
Usually, if you are fit. The Sron na Gaoithe Ridge is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Cairn of Claise?
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 of Claise 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