Munro · Cairngorms
Cairn Gorm
Cairn Gorm (1244m) 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 rock at base of large cairn, gives views of the vast Cairngorm plateau, Speyside and the Moray Firth. The nearest town is Inverness in Highland/Moray.
Gaelic: “stony, cairn-topped hill” · Pronunciation: cairn
Quick facts
- Height
- 1244m/ 4084ft
- Distance
- 20 km
- Ascent
- 1095 m
- Time
- 5.8 hrs
- Difficulty
- 4 / 5Strenuous
- Grid ref
- NJ005040
- Parking
- NH99890350
- Nearest city
- Inverness
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 20km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 20km with 1095m of total ascent — a long and demanding day. 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 rock at base of large 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 Gorm 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 5m
- Edinburgh3h 49m
OS maps: OS Landranger 36
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:41
- Sunset
- 20:44
- Civil dawn
- 04:57
- Civil dusk
- 21:28
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026