NJ6516 : Path on Cairn William

Cairn William

448m Elevation
258m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NJ6516 : Path on Cairn William

Richard Webb Photo source

Explore routes near Cairn William

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

Potarch to Shooting Greens: Deeside Way return

7.9 km ~2h 45m Moderate

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Banchory to Milton of Crathes: Deeside Way return

9.5 km ~2h 30m Easy

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Milton of Crathes to Drumoak: Deeside Way return

11.8 km ~3h 30m Easy

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Loch Kinord: Muir of Dinnet Woodland Circuit

6.4 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Cairn William Circuit

A popular circular route that offers stunning views of the Highlands and takes you through some beautiful native woodland.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

448m

1,470 ft

Prominence

258m

Coordinates

57.2408, -2.5713

NJ656168

OS Map

38

Explorer: OL59E OL62E 405E 420E

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent stone cairn, providing a perfect place for a photo op, perched high above sprawling valleys.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy slopes interspersed with rocky outcrops.

Cairn William is primarily composed of ancient metamorphic rock, including schist and gneiss, which provides a stunning contrast against the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can spot Ben Nevis, the Great Glen, and Loch Ness on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Cairn William derives its name from the traditional Scottish term for 'cairn', reflecting its feature as a notable landmark.

Historical Significance

The mountain has been a favourite among hikers for decades, featuring in numerous tales and local folklore.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at the designated car park on the A82 road, about 5 km from the trailhead.

Public Transport

Regular buses service the nearby village of Fort Augustus, from where you can easily reach the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

There are basic amenities in Fort Augustus, including a cafe, toilets, and small shops for those last-minute supplies.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Unpredictable weather changes, sudden drops, and rocky terrain.

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 William?

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

Are there other walkers around Cairn William?

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 William search or of course create your own walk for Cairn William

Can I organise a walk to Cairn William?

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 William.

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 William?

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 William 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: NJ656168

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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