4,236 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Cairn Toul
Cairn Toul is a 4,236 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Corrour and Coire Odhar: 19 mi, 3,280 ft of gain, Class 2.
Cairn Toul at a glance
- Elevation4,236 ft1,291 m
- RouteNormal Route via Corrour and Coire OdharClass 2
- Distance19 mi3,280 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Normal Route via Corrour and Coire Odhar
From Braemar, drive west to the Linn of Dee car park (parking charge). Cycle or walk the Glen Lui track to Derry Lodge, then take the Glen Luibeg path round into the Lairig Ghru and cross the footbridge to Corrour bothy. A stalkers path climbs Coire Odhar, where hard snow can block the headwall into early summer, then broad Class 2 slopes lead over Stob Coire an t-Saighdeir to the bouldery summit ringed by cliffs. Stay back from the corrie rims in mist. Usually combined with The Devil's Point and Sgor an Lochain Uaine, and many walkers split the trip with a night at Corrour.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 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
- Remote location
- Cornices
- Low visibility
- High winds
- Steep exposure
Quests with Cairn Toul
MunrosPeaks near Cairn Toul
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Cairn Toul?
Cairn Toul is 4,236 feet (1,291 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Cairn Toul rank among the Munros?
At 4,236 feet, Cairn Toul is the 4th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Cairn Toul?
The Normal Route via Corrour and Coire Odhar is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 19 miles with 3,280 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Cairn Toul?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Normal Route via Corrour and Coire Odhar, covering 19 miles with 3,280 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Cairn Toul?
The Normal Route via Corrour and Coire Odhar needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 19 miles with 3,280 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 Toul?
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 Cairn Toul 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