Marilyn · Central Highlands
Carn na Loine
A 548m Strathspey moorland summit between Tomintoul and Grantown, in the rolling country between the Cairngorms and Moray Firth. Carn na Loines name probably derives from the loine grass that dominates parts of its summit plateau. The hill is criss-crossed by old peat-cutting tracks.
Quick facts
- Height
- 548.7m/ 1800ft
- Grid ref
- NJ 07002 36088
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 41km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
heather moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
From the Bridge of Brown picnic area, take the public road north for a few hundred metres then strike up the eastern shoulder on faint quad trails. Reach the cairn in around 90 minutes; allow 3 hours for the 8km return.
Terrain
Strathspey muirburn pattern alternates strips of new growth with longer rank heather. Underfoot is generally firm and well drained, with isolated boggy patches around the springs.
In winter
Cold continental snow lies in fine powder here when the west coast is suffering thaw and rain. The plateau is featureless in cloud — bearing-and-pacing becomes essential above the half-height mark.
This hill is in the Creag Meagaidh SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 23m
- Edinburgh4h 53m
OS maps: OS Landranger 27, OS Explorer 061N, OS Explorer 061S, OS Explorer 419N, OS Explorer 419S
Mobile signal: Moderate. EE intermittent on summit; better toward Grantown.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:16
- Sunset
- 22:14
- Civil dawn
- 03:05
- Civil dusk
- 23:24
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Carn na Loine 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
29km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Dufftown
Speyside whisky town in the eastern Cairngorms
25km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Cragganmore
Ballindalloch — quietly excellent Speysider; Classic Malts visitor experience
9km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Carn na Loine — common questions
- How hard is Carn na Loine?
- Carn na Loine is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Strathspey muirburn pattern alternates strips of new growth with longer rank heather.
- When is the best time to climb Carn na Loine?
- The standard good-weather months for Carn na Loine are March, 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 Carn na Loine?
- 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 Carn na Loine?
- Moderate. EE intermittent on summit; better toward Grantown.
- Is Carn na Loine safe in winter?
- Cold continental snow lies in fine powder here when the west coast is suffering thaw and rain. The plateau is featureless in cloud — bearing-and-pacing becomes essential above the half-height mark.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.