3,435 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Carn an t-Sagairt Mor
Carn an t-Sagairt Mor is a 3,435 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Meikle Pap Col: 14 mi, 3,280 ft of gain, Class 2.

Carn an t-Sagairt Mor at a glance
- Elevation3,435 ft1,046 m
- RouteNormal Route via Meikle Pap ColClass 2
- Distance14 mi3,280 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard 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; the road closes when it is full). Follow the Lochnagar path past Allt-na-guibhsaich to the col by Meikle Pap and up the boulder slope called the Ladder to the plateau. Head southwest past Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach on a stalkers path, then strike northwest over pathless Class 2 ground to the southern of two summit cairns. Aircraft wreckage lies nearby. Usually done as part of the White Mounth round with Lochnagar.
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
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Carn an t-Sagairt Mor
Peaks near Carn an t-Sagairt Mor
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Carn an t-Sagairt Mor?
Carn an t-Sagairt Mor is 3,435 feet (1,046 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Carn an t-Sagairt Mor rank among the Munros?
At 3,435 feet, Carn an t-Sagairt Mor is the 83rd highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Carn an t-Sagairt Mor?
The Normal Route via Meikle Pap Col 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 3,280 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Carn an t-Sagairt Mor?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Normal Route via Meikle Pap Col, covering 14 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 Carn an t-Sagairt Mor?
The Normal Route via Meikle Pap Col needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 14 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 Carn an t-Sagairt Mor?
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 an t-Sagairt Mor 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



