Marilyn · Cairngorms
Knockan
A low-level 372m summit near Tomintoul in the eastern Highlands that proves hills do not need to be high to be rewarding. The prominence gives this Marilyn genuine character.
Quick facts
- Height
- 372m/ 1220ft
- Difficulty
- 1 / 5Easy
- Grid ref
- NJ 35101 46471
Download GPX route file
Standard route
Standard route
A short, accessible walk via estate tracks through heather moorland with views to the main Cairngorms massif to the 372m summit. The low altitude and gentle gradients make this achievable in 1-3 hours.
Terrain
Mixed pine forest and heather moorland. The granite base provides good drainage but the terrain is rough in places.
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
- Glasgow5h 13m
- Edinburgh4h 2m
OS maps: OS Landranger 28, OS Explorer 424S
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:20
- Sunset
- 20:58
- Civil dawn
- 04:33
- Civil dusk
- 21:46
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026