NO2282 : Summit of Cairn Bannoch with view towards Broad Cairn

Cairn Bannoch

1,011m Elevation
76m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NO2282 : Summit of Cairn Bannoch with view towards Broad Cairn

Colin Park Photo source

Explore routes near Cairn Bannoch

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Deeside Way

69.8 km Easy

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Route planning notes

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Cairn Bannoch via Glen Esk

A popular and scenic walk starting from Glen Esk, offering a gradual ascent through beautiful landscapes.

12 km ~5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

1,011m

3,317 ft

Prominence

76m

Coordinates

56.9277, -3.2784

NO222825

OS Map

44

Explorer: OL53N 388N

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent stone cairn that offers a sense of achievement to many hikers who reach its peak. On clear days, this spot boasts stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountain landscape.

Terrain & Geology

The terrain is generally rough and rocky with sections of grassy slopes and some boggy patches to keep you on your toes.

Cairn Bannoch is primarily composed of granite and schist, typical for this region, which gives it a rugged and ancient character. The geological formations here are shaped by glacial activity, resulting in distinctive U-shaped valleys and high peaks.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the majestic peaks of the surrounding Grampian Mountains, including Mount Keen and the vast expanse of Glen Esk.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Cairn' comes from the Scottish Gaelic word 'cairn' meaning a pile of stones, often used as trail markers or memorials. 'Bannoch' possibly relates to an old term meaning 'hill' or 'summit'.

Historical Significance

Cairn Bannoch is not just a physical landmark; it bears cultural significance within local folklore and is part of the rich tapestry of Scotland's hiking heritage.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the Glen Esk car park (NO284804). This area can get busy, particularly during peak hiking seasons, so arrive early to snag a spot.

Public Transport

Public transport options are limited, though you can reach nearby towns such as Edzell via bus services. From there, it’s advisable to use a taxi or arrange a lift to the starting point.

Nearby Facilities

Basic facilities are available in Edzell, including cafes and toilets. Once you're on the mountain, it's just you and nature, so plan ahead!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions. Waterproof gear is essential, and boggy ground may be present, particularly after rain.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Cairn Bannoch?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cairn Bannoch through the maps

Are there other walkers around Cairn Bannoch?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Cairn Bannoch search or of course create your own walk for Cairn Bannoch

Can I organise a walk to Cairn Bannoch?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Cairn Bannoch.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Cairn Bannoch?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Cairn Bannoch here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NO222825

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