Braeriach

Braeriach, at 1,296 metres, is the third highest mountain in the British Isles and one of the great Cairngorms giants, famous for its huge northern corries and views into the Lairig Ghru.

The most direct route starts from the Sugar Bowl car park on the Cairngorm ski road, crossing the Allt Mòr and climbing to the rough boulder field of the Chalamain Gap before joining the Lairig Ghru path. A longer but more scenic circular route starts from Whitewell near Rothiemurchus, climbing through Caledonian pinewoods before joining the Lairig Ghru path further south and ascending via the Sròn na Lairig ridge.

From the Lairig Ghru, the path climbs steadily to reach the summit close to the dramatic edge of Coire Bhrochain, one of the largest and finest corries in Scotland. The circular route from Whitewell continues northwest along the plateau rim above Coire Ruadh and Coire an Lochain, then descends via Gleann Einich back to the pinewoods.

The circular route from Whitewell is approximately 24 kilometres with significant ascent, and is a long day requiring seven to nine hours for most walkers.

The plateau and corrie rims are extremely exposed, with sheer cliffs close to the path in several places. Careful navigation is essential in poor visibility, and this is not a route to attempt in strong winds or low cloud without confident mountain navigation skills.

The Sugar Bowl and Whitewell car parks are both free, though limited.