NO1388 : The Cairngorms
Moderate hillwalk; sustained steep climb

Morrone

860m Elevation
158m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NO1388 : The Cairngorms

Alan Findlay Photo source

Overview

Morrone is the 859.5 m Corbett above Braemar in Aberdeenshire. Birch woodland gives way to open hill paths and a summit with a cairn, trig pillar and communications buildings. The recorded natural high point is a separate embedded rock south of the cairn.

Morrone

Morrone rises to 859.5 m above Braemar in Aberdeenshire and is a Corbett. Its lower slopes include Morrone Birkwood, with birch and juniper; the upper hill is open. The recorded summit is an embedded rock 4 m south of the large cairn at NO 13213 88636. The trig, mast and buildings are separate features. DoBIH notes possible higher ground beneath the cairn and levelling of the summit area for construction.

Complete returning walks

The Braemar–Glen Clunie circuit climbs through Chapel Brae and the birchwood viewpoint, then returns by the summit service track and the minor road beside Clunie Water. Walkhighlands publishes 12 km, 650 m ascent and 4–5 hours for the complete central-Braemar circuit; the national park independently confirms the 12 km circuit. Starting at Chapel Brae changes the route length.

The direct option retraces the ascent to central Braemar. Fiona Russell’s account gives approximately 9 km and approximately 535 m ascent, with no route-specific time. Keep these figures separate from the circuit. Both route descriptions reach the summit area; use the DoBIH rock description to distinguish the natural high point from the trig. No new final-metres track measurement has been made.

Landscape and heritage

NatureScot describes acid granulites and schists, with calcareous bands on the middle slopes. Morrone Birkwood’s sediments and plant fossils record long-term environmental change. The national park links Morrone with Braemar Gathering hill races. Alexander’s 1948–49 place-name study interprets Mor-bheinn as big hill, while treating big nose as a later explanation. That interpretation is attributed rather than presented as universal agreement.

Access and care

Use considerate parking in Braemar or by the Chapel Brae pond. Fees and opening hours have not been checked. A bus link from Aberdeen is described by route guides; check current timetables, including the return. Obtain supplies in the village and carry what you need on the hill.

Expect sustained steep climbing, rough or rocky path sections and exposed upper slopes. Carry appropriate clothing and navigation, and allow daylight for the full return. Winter conditions require additional skills and equipment. On the circuit, watch for traffic along the minor road.

NatureScot’s September 2026 guidance lists seasonal stalking northwest of the summit from late July to 15 February, excluding weekends, and southeast from mid-September to 20 October, excluding Sundays. Check current estate advice; these patterns neither close the whole hill nor certify a particular day as clear.

Nearby source-verified summits include Morrone South Top (823.5 m), Carn na Drochaide (828.2 m, NO124860) and Creag Choinnich (538 m). They are separate hills, not implied additions to the routes above.

Explore routes near Morrone

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

Cairngorms night walk and stargazing (event meeting)

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Cairngorms night walk and stargazing (event meeting)

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Cairngorms night walk and stargazing (event meeting)

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Cairngorms night walk and stargazing (event meeting)

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Route planning notes

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

Morrone from Braemar via Glen Clunie (circuit)

Start and finish in central Braemar (NO151913). Cross the Clunie bridge, pass the Fife Arms and climb Chapel Brae past the pond. Follow Morrone signs through birchwood and the viewpoint, then the steep path beyond the upper gate to the mast and cairn area. DoBIH identifies the natural high point as an embedded rock 4 m south of the large cairn, not the trig. Descend southwest on the service track; after its small rise it bends east into Glen Clunie. Turn north along the minor old military road beside Clunie Water and pass the golf course back to the original village start. Walkhighlands gives 12 km, 650 m ascent and 4–5 hours for this complete summit-area circuit. These are not figures for a shortened Chapel Brae start. Follow current estate advice.

12 km Moderate hillwalk; sustained steep climb

Morrone from Braemar (same-way return)

Start and finish in central Braemar. Follow the signed approach through Chapel Brae and the birch woodland to the viewpoint, then continue uphill on the path to the mast, trig and large cairn area. The precise DoBIH high point is the embedded rock 4 m south of the cairn; the trig is separate. Retrace the whole ascent through the viewpoint and woodland to the same village start. Fiona Russell’s 29 August 2023 account gives approximately 9 km and approximately 535 m ascent for this out-and-back, without a walking time. The figures describe her summit-area outing, not a newly measured track to the exact rock. Follow current estate guidance.

9 km Moderate hillwalk; sustained steep climb
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Corbett Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

860m

2,820 ft

Prominence

158m

Coordinates

56.9808, -3.4296

NO132886

OS Map

43

Explorer: OL52N OL58S 387N 404S

At the Summit

DoBIH records an embedded rock 4 m south of the large cairn at NO 13213 88636 as the 859.5 m summit. Higher ground may lie under the cairn. The trig pillar beside the mast is a separate feature. The summit area has been levelled for the mast and buildings.

Terrain & Geology

Village roads woodland tracks and paths then a steep open-hill path. The longer circuit descends a service track and returns on a minor road beside Clunie Water. There are rough rocky and stepped sections.

NatureScot describes Morrone as mainly acid granulites and schists, with calcareous schist and limestone on the middle slopes. These bands help support the springs, flushes and birch-juniper habitat of Morrone Birkwood. This is hill-scale geology; the exact embedded summit rock has not been assigned to a formation here.

Views & Scenery

In clear conditions the open upper hill looks over Braemar and Upper Deeside towards the surrounding Cairngorm peaks. Cloud can remove the distant views.

Best Seasons

The birch woodland adds seasonal interest to the lower approach. Choose conditions for safe hillwalking rather than assuming any season guarantees clear views.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

W. M. Alexander, in Place-names West of Braemar (Cairngorm Club Journal, 1948–49), interprets the name as Mor-bheinn, meaning big hill. He regards Mòr Shròn, big nose, as a later interpretation spread by earlier Ordnance Survey maps. This is an attributed historical interpretation.

Historical Significance

The Braemar paths leaflet associates Morrone with the Braemar Gathering hill races. Morrone Birkwood also preserves sediment and plant-fossil evidence of environmental change since late-glacial times. The summit mast serves as a radio relay for the local mountain rescue team.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The described routes start in central Braemar. Walkhighlands and Fiona Russell also identify parking by the pond at the top of Chapel Brae; starting there shortens the village approach and does not retain the central-start route metrics. Check local signs and park without obstructing access. Fees, capacity and opening hours have not been verified.

Public Transport

Walking guides describe a bus link between Aberdeen and Braemar. Check the current operator timetable and return service before travelling; no departure times or service frequency are verified here.

Nearby Facilities

Braemar is the place to obtain refreshments and supplies before the walk. Carry food and water for the hill; the summit communications buildings are not visitor facilities. Check current village toilet locations and opening hours locally.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The climb is sustained and steep, with rough or rocky sections. Wet or icy surfaces increase the risk of slipping.
  • The open upper hill can be exposed to wind and poor visibility. Carry warm and waterproof clothing, a map and compass, and a backup means of navigation.
  • Follow current estate guidance during stalking and other land-management work. Seasonal information is not permission to enter an active work area.
  • The circuit includes minor-road walking through Glen Clunie. Watch for traffic and keep clear of access gates and working buildings.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow, ice, strong wind and short daylight can make this a more serious outing. NatureScot’s table updated 1 September 2026 lists stalking northwest of the summit on Mar Estate from late July to 15 February, excluding weekends, and southeast on Baddoch/Invercauld from mid-September to 20 October, excluding Sundays. These are seasonal patterns, not a blanket closure or a guarantee for a particular day; check current estate advice.

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 Morrone?

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

Are there other walkers around Morrone?

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 Morrone search or of course create your own walk for Morrone

Can I organise a walk to Morrone?

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

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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 Morrone?

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.

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Location

Morrone location map

Grid reference: NO132886

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