Graham · Cairngorms
Creagan a' Chaise
The high point of the Cromdale Hills above Grantown-on-Spey, topped by a substantial cairn raised for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. A rolling Speyside whaleback with vast views across the Cairngorms.
Quick facts
- Height
- 722.1m/ 2369ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 592 m
- Time
- 4–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NJ104241
- Parking
- NJ092174
- Nearest city
- Inverness
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
moorland track 30% · heather moorland 45% · grassy upper slopes 15% · summit area 10%
Park at Bridge of Brown on the A939. Follow the estate track north onto the open hill and climb the broad south-west ridge directly to the cairn. Easy walking throughout on sheep-cropped ground.
Terrain
Heather and grouse moor for the lower slopes, then short bilberry and grass. The summit plateau is grazed close — fast walking. A few peat hags below the ridge.
In winter
Cromdale gets reliable Speyside snow from December. The summit is exposed to easterlies straight off the Cairngorms. Cairngorms SAIS region — though the angle here is benign, the wind chill is the real concern.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 12m
- Edinburgh3h 54m
OS maps: OS Landranger 36
Mobile signal: Reception across the Cromdale ridge; reliable for Speyside hills
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 21:55
- Civil dawn
- 03:25
- Civil dusk
- 22:58
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Creagan a' Chaise on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Aviemore station
Cairngorm plateau; Lairig Ghru; Speyside Way; Glenmore
23km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Aviemore
Cairngorms base — Strathspey valley, ski centre, train
23km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Tomintoul
Tomintoul village — the gentle Speysider in the eastern Cairngorms
9km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Creagan a' Chaise — common questions
- How hard is Creagan a' Chaise?
- Creagan a' Chaise is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 592m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Heather and grouse moor for the lower slopes, then short bilberry and grass.
- Where do I park for Creagan a' Chaise?
- Standard parking is at NJ092174 near Inverness. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Creagan a' Chaise?
- The standard good-weather months for Creagan a' Chaise are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Creagan a' Chaise?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Creagan a' Chaise?
- Reception across the Cromdale ridge; reliable for Speyside hills
- Is Creagan a' Chaise safe in winter?
- Cromdale gets reliable Speyside snow from December. The summit is exposed to easterlies straight off the Cairngorms. Cairngorms SAIS region — though the angle here is benign, the wind chill is the real concern.