Ground Conditions: End of September and well into autumn. It has been a very hot summer, with serious fires in the Cairngorms centered around the area of Bynach More. Now, after some rain the ground is not as dry and there have been reports of the rivers being hard to cross. [September 2026]

West GlenShee Hills

The A93 ascends over the pass between Glen Shee and Glen Clunie, the hub of the Glenshee ski area. Situated west of the resort, three highly accessible peaks benefit significantly from the high-elevation of the starting point. While the two nearest summits sit on the boundary of the ski development and lack a sense of isolation, Càrn a' Ghèoidh offers a genuinely wild and remote Cairngorms experience. The terrain consists predominantly of grassy slopes interspersed with wet ground.

The route begins at the large Glenshee Ski Centre car park. While often quiet outside the skiing season, parking on operational winter days is reserved for ski resort patrons.

Section 1: Through the ski grounds to Càrn Aosta
Distance: 2.0 kms. | Ascent: 270 m. | Estimated Time: 1 hrs. 10 min.
Depart the ski centre via the track immediately north of the main buildings. Ascend the initial steep slope toward the ski café, then continue following the main track up the valley. Remain on the track at all times, as the surrounding ground can be exceptionally wet. Upon reaching the base of Butcharts Tow, follow the track as it continues uphill before bearing left. Proceed to the track junction along the ridge separating the ski area from Loch Vrotachan. Turn right, ascending toward Càrn Aosta. As the main path skirts the hillside toward the top of a ski lift, branch off onto the smaller path leading directly to the summit. A rocky cairn marks the summit of Càrn Aosta, which features excellent northern views across to the high Cairngorm plateau.

Section 2: Further west to Càrn a' Ghèoidh
Distance: 5.0 kms. | Ascent: 140 m. | Estimated Time: 1 hrs. 50 min.
Retrace your steps down the path to rejoin the main track, following it down to the col. Continue uphill along the track approximately halfway before taking the path branching right (west) toward Càrn a' Ghèoidh. Traverse the northern flanks of Càrn Nan Sac, passing two small lochans, and continue onto the ridge. Follow the ridge toward the summit of Càrn a' Ghèoidh. A small cairn marks the summit. Navigation & Winter Note: The final summit slopes are steep and tend to hold snow late into the season. In winter conditions, it is safer to bear left (north) off the ridge to ascend via gentler gradients. Due to the featureless terrain, navigation can be challenging here in poor visibility.

Section 3: Back to The Cairnwell
Distance: 2.0 kms. | Ascent: 100 m. | Estimated Time: 0 hrs. 50 min.
Retrace the outward route back toward Càrn Nan Sac and onto the ridge bordering the ski development. Turn right and follow the track up to the summit of The Cairnwell. The summit is heavily developed, housing an extensive array of telecommunications masts and infrastructure. A prominent cairn marks the true summit.

Section 4: Through the skiing to the car park
Distance: 1.5 kms. | Ascent: 0 m. | Estimated Time: 0 hrs. 30 min.
Descend via the ridge track back to the col. Follow the muddy path past the pink building to rejoin the tracks leading through the ski development. Follow these tracks directly back to the ski centre. During the ski season, take care to give active ski runs a wide berth.

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