Munro · Cairngorms
Derry Cairngorm
Derry Cairngorm is the 1155m Munro south of Ben Macdui, sitting on the broad ridge that separates Glen Derry from Loch Etchachan. The summit is the northern of two cairns on a rocky platform — distinguishing the true top from a near-twin demands attention in cloud. The hill is one of the original Cairngorms, the name itself meaning "the blue mountain", and it gives a striking front-row view of Ben Macdui's south face across the broad upper Glen Derry basin.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1155.8m/ 3792ft
- Prominence
- 142 m
- Distance
- 19 km
- Ascent
- 1017 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NO017980
- Parking
- NO062898
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 59km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
Estate track 30% · Mountain path / open moorland 40% · Summit plateau 30%
The most popular route starts at the Linn of Dee, climbing through Glen Lui to Derry Lodge before joining the Derry Cairngorm path on the south side of the burn. The path climbs steadily onto the broad south ridge of the hill, reaching the summit cairns after a steep last pull. Around 22km return with 1017m of ascent. Frequently combined with Ben Macdui via the high bealach at Loch Etchachan for a major two-Munro Cairngorms day.
Terrain
The Glen Lui track is firm gravel. The Derry path beyond Derry Lodge is a clear hill route on heather and stones. The broad south ridge is granite gravel and short heather; the summit area is a stony platform with two cairns about 100m apart. No exposure or scrambling. Care needed in mist where the two cairns can confuse — the higher is the northern.
In winter
A demanding winter Cairngorm day. The south ridge picks up snow that drifts deep against the broad slopes. The connection to Loch Etchachan and Ben Macdui crosses true arctic plateau ground with whiteout potential. The Linn of Dee road is gritted but reliable; the Glen Lui track is followable under snow. SAIS Northern Cairngorms.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 58m
- Edinburgh3h 41m
OS maps: OS Landranger 36, OS Landranger 43
Mobile signal: Signal vanishes above 900m in Glen Derry. Linn of Dee has patchy signal. The Derry Lodge approach is fully out of range. Sort maps before leaving Braemar.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:55
- Sunset
- 21:47
- Civil dawn
- 04:00
- Civil dusk
- 22:42
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Around Derry Cairngorm 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
19km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Aviemore
Cairngorms base — Strathspey valley, ski centre, train
19km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Tomintoul
Tomintoul village — the gentle Speysider in the eastern Cairngorms
25km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Derry Cairngorm — common questions
- Is Derry Cairngorm a hard climb?
- Derry Cairngorm is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 19km with 1017m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Glen Lui track is firm gravel.
- How prominent is Derry Cairngorm?
- Derry Cairngorm has 142m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.
- Where should I park to climb Derry Cairngorm?
- Standard parking is at NO062898. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When should I climb Derry Cairngorm?
- The standard good-weather months for Derry Cairngorm are 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 Derry Cairngorm?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Derry Cairngorm?
- Signal vanishes above 900m in Glen Derry. Linn of Dee has patchy signal. The Derry Lodge approach is fully out of range. Sort maps before leaving Braemar.
- Is Derry Cairngorm safe in winter?
- A demanding winter Cairngorm day. The south ridge picks up snow that drifts deep against the broad slopes. The connection to Loch Etchachan and Ben Macdui crosses true arctic plateau ground with whiteout potential. The Linn of Dee road is gritted but reliable; the Glen Lui track is followable under snow. SAIS Northern Cairngorms.
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