Munro · Cairngorms
Cairn Bannoch
Cairn Bannoch (1011m) is a stony, cairn-topped hill in the Cairngorms massif, Britain's highest and most arctic mountain landscape. It shares ridgeline connections with neighbouring hills, making it a natural addition to a longer day combining two or three summits. The summit, marked by a cairn, gives views of the vast Cairngorm plateau, Speyside and the Moray Firth. The nearest town is Dundee in Aberdeenshire/Angus.
Gaelic: “stony, cairn-topped hill” · Pronunciation: cairn
Quick facts
- Height
- 1011m/ 3317ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 890 m
- Time
- 4.9 hrs
- Difficulty
- 4 / 5Strenuous
- Grid ref
- NO222825
- Parking
- NO211835
- Nearest city
- Dundee
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 17km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 17km with 890m of total ascent — a full day on the hill. Lower slopes cross ancient Caledonian pine forest and heather moor. Higher up, the terrain changes to granite plateau and boulder fields with arctic-alpine vegetation. Well-maintained paths in popular corries give way to featureless plateau above — compass work is critical in cloud. The summit is marked by a cairn.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Well-maintained paths in popular corries give way to featureless plateau above — compass work is critical in cloud. Good ridge connections to neighbouring summits make multi-hill days a natural option.
In winter
In winter, Cairn Bannoch is a serious proposition. Arctic conditions are possible year-round above 900m. The plateau is one of the most dangerous places in Britain in winter — whiteout, cornices and wind chill below -20°C are regular occurrences. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 50m
- Edinburgh2h 19m
OS maps: OS Landranger 44
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:40
- Sunset
- 20:42
- Civil dawn
- 04:56
- Civil dusk
- 21:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026