Creag Leacach

Creag Leacach, at 987 metres — "slabby rock" in Gaelic — is the fourth and final Munro of a fine quieter circuit south of the Cairngorms, and by many accounts the highlight of the day thanks to its narrower, more mountainous ridge.

Reached from Glas Maol via a fine connecting ridge, the terrain here changes character noticeably: the smooth plateau grass of the preceding summits gives way to rockier ground, with the ridge narrowing pleasingly and giving the walk a more defined, satisfying feel after the broad terrain covered earlier in the day. The summit itself offers continued fine views south over the rolling hills of eastern Perthshire and back across the circuit already completed.

From Creag Leacach, the descent uses the bealach between it and Glas Maol, cutting left across the slope to reach the top of the Glenshee ski lifts, from where a clear path winds down to the road, completing the circuit back near the starting point.

The full four-Munro circuit — Càrn an Tuirc, Cairn of Claise, Glas Maol, and Creag Leacach — from the A93 layby north of Glenshee Ski Centre is around 21 kilometres with roughly 1,000 metres of ascent, typically seven to nine hours; this quieter circuit is considered far wilder and more rewarding than the popular Cairnwell Munros immediately to the west, despite sharing similarly easy access.

The ridge to Creag Leacach is the standout section of the day and shouldn't be rushed, but the broad plateau earlier in the round still demands careful navigation in poor visibility — full hillwalking equipment and preparation for exposed, cold conditions are essential even in late spring at this altitude.

The A93 layby is free with space for several cars; the Glenshee Ski Centre 2 kilometres south has toilets and a café, and the descent path conveniently uses the ski lift infrastructure back to the road.