The Cairnwell

The Cairnwell, at 933 metres — "Hill of Bags" — is a prominent cone-shaped mountain seen from the south on the drive up the Cairnwell Pass, a great viewpoint whose summit is unfortunately marred by communications masts and buildings, with its slopes scattered with ski infrastructure.

Reached from Càrn a' Ghèoidh via the bealach below the Aosda-Cairnwell ridge, a path climbs opposite onto the ridge before joining a track, passing the top of a chairlift on the way to the summit — a makeshift shelter sits alongside the transmitter masts and buildings. It's worth continuing a little beyond the summit itself to enjoy a grand, unobstructed view down Glen Shee.

The mountain can also be tackled directly up its southern flank from the Old Military Road for those wanting to climb it in isolation, or as the final summit of the classic three-Munro Cairnwell round after Càrn Aosda and Càrn a' Ghèoidh.

From the summit, the gentler descent heads back down the ridge track, continuing to the bealach below Càrn Aosda before a good track descends the corrie back to the ski centre car park, completing the circuit.

The full three-Munro circuit — Càrn Aosda, Càrn a' Ghèoidh, and The Cairnwell — from the Glenshee Ski Centre is around 12-14 kilometres with a total ascent of only around 600-717 metres, typically four and a half to six hours — along with Ben Lomond and Schiehallion, these are widely regarded as among the best introductions to Munro-bagging in Scotland.

A chairlift runs to within 20 metres of the summit during both the ski season and summer months, though using it to reach the top would rather defeat the purpose for most walkers; despite the easy access, these remain proper mountains requiring full hillwalking equipment and preparation for rapidly changing weather.

Parking at the Glenshee Ski Centre is chargeable, with toilets and a café on site; there is a bus service along the A93 with a stop at the ski centre.