Cairn Toul

Cairn Toul, at 1,291 metres, is the fourth highest mountain in Britain, a shapely and remote peak rising above the infant River Dee deep in the Cairngorms.

The most common approach is from Deeside via the Linn of Dee, following Glen Lui and Glen Luibeg to Corrour Bothy, a well-known mountain refuge. From the bothy, a path climbs steeply up Coire Odhar to a bealach near the Devil's Point, from where Cairn Toul's summit is reached via a boulder-strewn ridge with the huge drop into the Lairig Ghru close on one side.

An alternative route approaches from Speyside via the Lairig Ghru and Chalamain Gap, or from Glen Feshie via Càrn Bàn Mòr — a longer but less rocky option that avoids the boulder fields of the direct route.

The round trip from Linn of Dee is around 26 kilometres, and most parties treat this as a full and demanding day, taking eight to ten hours, or break the walk with an overnight stay at Corrour Bothy.

The final ridge to the summit is narrow and exposed on its eastern side, with a drop of several hundred metres into the Lairig Ghru — care is needed here, particularly in wind or poor visibility. This is a serious, remote mountain with no easy escape routes, and full navigation skills and equipment are essential.

Parking at the Linn of Dee car park is chargeable.