Monadh Mòr

Monadh Mòr, at 1,113 metres, is a remote, whaleback ridge in the western Cairngorms, sitting at the heart of the vast Moine Mhòr plateau and almost always climbed together with neighbouring Beinn Bhrotain.

The standard route starts from the Glen Feshie car park near Achlean, following a good path up through Coire Fhearnagan onto the plateau, then crossing the wide, open expanse of the Moine Mhòr. The Allt Luineag — a substantial burn even at this altitude — usually requires a paddle to cross, before the route climbs Monadh Mòr's broad north-west ridge to reach the summit cairn, a gentle stroll across easy tundra-like ground once the ridge is gained.

From the summit, most walkers continue across a bealach to Beinn Bhrotain before retracing the full route back to Glen Feshie, since the reascent required to reach Beinn Bhrotain and return makes it far more efficient to link the two in one outing than attempt them separately.

The round trip taking in both summits is around 29 kilometres with 1,300 metres of ascent, typically nine to eleven hours for a full day.

Monadh Mòr itself is one of the less dramatic Cairngorms summits, but the surrounding Moine Mhòr plateau is genuinely remote and exposed, with route-finding across pathless, boggy terrain becoming difficult in poor visibility, and burn crossings that can be hazardous after heavy rain.

The Glen Feshie car park near Achlean is free (donation).