Munro · Cairngorms
Carn an t-Sagairt Mor
Carn an t-Sagairt Mor (1047m) is large, 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 large boulder next to cairn, gives views of the vast Cairngorm plateau, Speyside and the Moray Firth. The nearest town is Dundee in Aberdeenshire.
Gaelic: “stony, cairn-topped hill, big” · Pronunciation: karn more
Quick facts
- Height
- 1047m/ 3435ft
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 921 m
- Time
- 5.1 hrs
- Difficulty
- 4 / 5Strenuous
- Grid ref
- NO208842
- Parking
- NO212846
- Nearest city
- Dundee
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 18km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 18km with 921m 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 a large boulder next to 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, Carn an t-Sagairt Mor 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 51m
- Edinburgh2h 21m
OS maps: OS Landranger 44
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:41
- Sunset
- 20:42
- Civil dawn
- 04:56
- Civil dusk
- 21:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026