The Cairnwell

The Cairnwell

The Cairnwell Group Walks | Join a Walk

933m Elevation
127m Prominence
Scotland Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Hump Munro Sim High Hill of Britain

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore The Cairnwell together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

933m

3,061 ft

Prominence

127m

Coordinates

56.8795, -3.4212

NO134773

OS Map

43

Explorer: OL52N 387N

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a large stone cairn and offers a trig point that serves as the perfect spot for summit selfies. On a clear day, you might even glimpse the occasional sheep giving you a judging stare.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy heaths interspersed with rocky outcrops providing a mix of gentle slopes and some more challenging bits that will certainly get your heart racing.

The Cairnwell is primarily composed of schist and granite, creating a robust and rugged landscape. The area showcases fascinating geological features resulting from ancient tectonic activity, which have left a legacy of minerals and rock formations waiting to enchant geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views of the surrounding Cairngorms and the picturesque valleys below. At times, you can even spot the famous Glenshee ski area in the winter months.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Cairnwell' derives from the Scottish Gaelic 'Càrn Beallach', which means 'cairn on the pass'.

Historical Significance

Historically, The Cairnwell has been a significant landmark for travellers and was also a strategic point during the Jacobite uprisings.

Popular Routes

Cairnwell Mountain Route

Moderate

A well-maintained path that leads directly to the summit, offering a blend of scenic views and a good workout.

9.5 km 4 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a large car park at the Glenshee Ski Centre, easily accessible and provides an excellent starting point for your adventure.

Public Transport

Limited public transport options are available; the nearest bus services operate from Blairgowrie to Braemar. A car is highly recommended for greater flexibility.

Nearby Facilities

The Glenshee Ski Centre offers basic facilities, including toilets and a café that serves warm drinks and snacks, perfect for a post-hike treat.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Weather can change rapidly; be prepared for sudden rain and wind. Avoid rocky areas during icy conditions.

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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up The Cairnwell?

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

Are there other walkers around The Cairnwell?

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 The Cairnwell search or of course create your own walk for The Cairnwell

Can I organise a walk to The Cairnwell?

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 The Cairnwell.

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 The Cairnwell?

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 The Cairnwell 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