3,789 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Derry Cairngorm
Derry Cairngorm is a 3,789 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the South Ridge via Carn Crom: 14 mi, 3,280 ft of gain, Class 2.
Derry Cairngorm at a glance
- Elevation3,789 ft1,154 m
- RouteSouth Ridge via Carn CromClass 2
- Distance14 mi3,280 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the South Ridge via Carn Crom
From Braemar, drive west to the Linn of Dee car park (parking charge). Cycle or walk the Glen Lui estate track to Derry Lodge and cross the bridge by the rescue hut. A well-rebuilt path climbs north through heather, skirts Carn Crom and follows the long south ridge over Little Cairngorm. The final slopes are a Class 2 granite boulder field that is slow and ankle-twisting, and the summit has two cairns, the northern one being higher. Navigation is fussy in cloud. Often combined with Ben Macdui or Beinn Mheadhoin via Loch Etchachan, returning down Glen Derry.
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
- Loose rock
- Low visibility
- Route-finding difficulty
- High winds
Quests with Derry Cairngorm
MunrosPeaks near Derry Cairngorm
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Derry Cairngorm?
Derry Cairngorm is 3,789 feet (1,154 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Derry Cairngorm rank among the Munros?
At 3,789 feet, Derry Cairngorm is the 21st highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Derry Cairngorm?
The South Ridge via Carn Crom 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 Derry Cairngorm?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the South Ridge via Carn Crom, 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 Derry Cairngorm?
The South Ridge via Carn Crom 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 Derry Cairngorm?
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 Derry Cairngorm 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