Marilyn · Cairngorms
Carn Daimh
The name means 'cairn' in Gaelic. At 570m near Tomintoul in the eastern Highlands, this is the kind of hill that experienced walkers love — not famous, not crowded, but a proper summit with proper views.
Gaelic: “stony, cairn-topped hill” · Pronunciation: karn
Quick facts
- Height
- 570m/ 1870ft
- Difficulty
- 2 / 5Moderate
- Grid ref
- NJ 18153 24963
Download GPX route file
Standard route
Standard route
A steady ascent via estate tracks through heather moorland with views to the main Cairngorms massif to the 570m summit. The walking is straightforward with clear views opening up as you gain height. Allow 2-4 hours.
Terrain
Granite terrain characteristic of the Cairngorms fringe. Well-drained but exposed on the upper slopes. The heather can be thick off-path.
In winter
The Cairngorms fringe sees genuine winter conditions. Snow lingers well into spring on north-facing slopes. Navigation in cloud requires compass skills.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 24m
- Edinburgh4h 32m
OS maps: OS Landranger 36, OS Explorer 061S, OS Explorer 419S
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:22
- Sunset
- 20:59
- Civil dawn
- 04:35
- Civil dusk
- 21:46
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026