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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 in the Cairngorms, Scotland

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

  1. Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach

    Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach

    3,641 ft · 1.2 mi away

  2. Cairn Bannoch

    Cairn Bannoch

    3,320 ft · 1.5 mi away

  3. Lochnagar

    Lochnagar

    3,793 ft · 2.5 mi away

  4. Broad Cairn

    Broad Cairn

    3,274 ft · 2.7 mi away

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