Marilyn · Cairngorms
Carn na Farraidh
The name means 'cairn' in Gaelic. At 686m in the Cairngorms National Park, 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
- 686.3m/ 2251ft
- Difficulty
- 2 / 5Moderate
- Grid ref
- NJ 11449 14743
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 686m summit. The walking is straightforward with clear views opening up as you gain height. Allow 2-4 hours.
Terrain
Cairngorm-style terrain: heather at lower levels, granite slabs and gravel above. Can be windswept on the summit plateau.
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 3m
- Edinburgh3h 21m
OS maps: OS Landranger 36, OS Explorer 058N, OS Explorer 404N
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:23
- Sunset
- 20:59
- Civil dawn
- 04:36
- Civil dusk
- 21:46
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026