Cairn Bannoch

Cairn Bannoch, at 1,012 metres — "Peaked Hill" — is a relatively low, rounded, bouldery summit on the White Mounth plateau, one that no doubt looks more impressive from another direction, but still offers expansive views over the surrounding high ground.

Reached from Càrn an t-Sagairt Mòr via a wide, featureless bealach — genuinely bleak country where navigation could be difficult in poor weather — the mountain comes into view ahead as the terrain becomes more gentle and grass-covered near the crossing point; walkers approaching from Auchallater and Fafernie sometimes join the route here. The final few metres of ascent require a bit of clambering over large boulders to reach the summit cairn, perched atop a small conical outcrop.

From Cairn Bannoch, the route continues south-east and up a minor bump at 991 metres, with nearby Cairn of Gowal bypassed on a faint path across grassy ground, reaching an unusual bealach where three summits — Cairn of Gowal, Creagan Dubh-loch, and Broad Cairn — radiate outward. From here, a final steady pull leads up to Broad Cairn, the fifth and last Munro of the classic circuit.

For those seeking a slightly different day, Cairn Bannoch can be combined more directly with Broad Cairn alone via an approach past the dramatic cliffs of Creag an Dubh-loch — a much less celebrated crag than Lochnagar's, but arguably just as impressive, overlooking its own lonely loch.

The full White Mounth circuit taking in all five Munros — Lochnagar, Càrn a' Choire Bhòidheach, Càrn an t-Sagairt Mòr, Cairn Bannoch, and Broad Cairn — from Spittal of Glen Muick is around 28-30 kilometres, typically nine to eleven hours.

The bealachs on either side of Cairn Bannoch are wide, exposed, and easy to lose bearings on in poor visibility — full navigation skills are essential across this remote, largely featureless section of the Mounth plateau.

Parking at Spittal of Glen Muick is chargeable; there is no public transport to the start.