3,641 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach
Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach is a 3,641 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Meikle Pap Col: 12 mi, 2,950 ft of gain, Class 1.
Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach at a glance
- Elevation3,641 ft1,109 m
- RouteNormal Route via Meikle Pap ColClass 1
- Distance12 mi2,950 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Normal Route via Meikle Pap Col
From Ballater, cross the Dee on the B976 and drive the minor road up Glen Muick to the Spittal of Glenmuick car park (parking charge). Take the Lochnagar path across the glen and up beside the burn to the col below Meikle Pap, then climb the Ladder, a boulder slope with a built path, onto the plateau. Follow the path southwest past Cac Carn Mor and The Stuic to the broad, grassy summit, a short detour south of the main path. The walking is Class 1 but the plateau is wet in summer and easy to get lost on in cloud. Usually climbed with Lochnagar on the White Mounth round.
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
- Boggy terrain
- High winds
Quests with Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach
MunrosPeaks near Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach?
Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach is 3,641 feet (1,109 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach rank among the Munros?
At 3,641 feet, Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach is the 43rd highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach?
The Normal Route via Meikle Pap Col is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 12 miles with 2,950 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Normal Route via Meikle Pap Col, covering 12 miles with 2,950 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach?
Usually, if you are fit. The Normal Route via Meikle Pap Col is a common first summit for hikers ready for 8 – 10 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach?
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 Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach 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