Braeriach via the Chalamain Gap Introduction to Walk 2421. Go straight across when a track cuts across the route, continuing through the edge of the Allt Mor car park and keeping ahead to cross a footbridge over the Allt Mor. Area: Cairngorms Munros: Braeriach, Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain Uaine, The Devil’s Point Date walked: 06/07/2010 Time taken: 9 hours 10 mins Distance: 36 km Ascent: 2100m The centre km of the Lairig Ghru and the Chalamain Gap have significant boulder fields which will be hazardous in the dark. The views from the top are indeed superb! This circular route reaches the summit via the Lairig Ghru and returns via the northern corrie rims and Gleann Einich. Braeriach via the Chalamain Gap Walk. The passage through the Chalamain Gap is challenging as the boulders are large and hard to negotiate. As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others.There are 1 user reports for this walk - click to read them. Braeriach is Scotland's third highest mountain at 1296m. Ascent - 4500 feet / 1364 metres . Grade - hard. Sugarbowl car park (charge). Scotland's third-highest mountain rises up above the mighty Lairig Ghru valley in the heart of the Cairngorms. The section through the Chalamain Gap is very rough, involving clambering over large boulders; there's also a rougher path back up to the Sugar Bowl. The Chalamain Gap is a bouldery defile on the path that links the Cairn Gorm ski road with the Lairig Ghru. It's a long day out but there are no major obstacles except the rocky Chalamain Gap, which most experienced walkers should have no problem getting through. The Chalamain Gap itself requires some scrambling as you meander over huge boulders, and it can be a perilous place in the grip of winter conditions. The main path now continues southwest, aiming for the rocky defile of the Chalamain Gap. 21st September, 2011. A challenging walk in the hills of the Cairngorm National Park. The slight additional ascent is preferable to the boulders at the end of a tiring day! This is the third highest in Scotland but it is its huge corrie, reached at the end of a wonderful, long walk which grabs the attention. In some winter conditions the gap can be an avalanche hazard, in which case it may sometimes be safer to pass over Creag a' Chalamain. At Waymark 14 there are steps up to the site of the Sinclair hut - and much of the path thereafter has been reconstructed. Cross the road and take the path opposite, soon descending to reach Utsi's Bridge over the Allt Mor. The Chalamain Gap is a bouldery defile on the path that links the Cairn Gorm ski road with the Lairig Ghru. Follow the path to Utsi's Bridge reached on the outward route. Braeriach is Scotland's third highest mountain at 1296m. The visibility was poor in the low-hanging mist, but the temperature was quite warm and so we were all walking without our jackets on. You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk. It forms the centerpiece of this grand circular walk that combines many of the finest aspects of the Cairngorms - rocky, bare mountainsides, beautiful pinewoods, and forest lochs. The first part of the walk is exposed, and strong winds can slow progress, but there's an enjoyable scramble in the Chalamain Gap and crossing of the Lairig Ghru. Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com. The Eag a’ Chait, on the other hand, has a path all the way through its relatively paltry collection of rocks, but is a fascinating feature. It forms the centerpiece of this grand circular walk that combines many of the finest aspects of the Cairngorms - rocky, bare mountainsides, beautiful pinewoods, and forest lochs. From south it is picked up from the track up Creag a' Chalamain. Braeriach – Chalamain Gap or Coylumbridge? Walk of the week: Braeriach, Cairngorms ... Nearly a mile and a half further on, after you have dropped to the side of the burn, you are at the Chalamain Gap turn-off, on the left. Author - Peter Smyly. The path is well maintained and keeps above the burn, soon swinging round to the west. Further Information. From waymark 8 the path has been reconstructed to a very high standard almost to the Lairig Ghru. Braeriach - Sgor an Lochain Uaine - Cairn Toul - The Devil's Point. Finished at Corrour Bothy. tomd4: 10/10/2014: Walk with Evelien & Joachim. Walked via Chalamain gap. Bad weather for the second half. rurquhart: 20/08/2014 Once over the bridge turn right as the path runs briefly beside the burn - a rough stretch with boulders - and then along some wooden boardwalks before eventually emerging on the road. Braeriach, Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain Uaine and The Devils Point Climbing is moderate but there is a lot of it. Photographer : Peter Smyly. Open start point in Google Maps for directions. ... Nearly a mile and a half further on, after you have dropped to the side of the burn, you are at the Chalamain Gap turn off, on the left. Click for details, Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation. Starting in the Lairig Ghru, this is a repair and build contract on the path that leads through the Chalamain Gap and towards the Sugar Bowl car park. Location Map. Begin the walk from the information board, taking the path to the left of it that climbs up to soon meet the road. Ignore any tracks off to the right - and some waymarked paths off to the left - to eventually leave Loch Morlich behind, continuing through the pinewoods until the track emerges at the Hayfield car park. Bus to Sugarbowl car park, from Aviemore. Recommended Books & eBooks. Ascent - 4500 feet / 1364 metres . The most usual, quickest route to Braeriach is there-and-back via the Chalamain Gap from the car park part way up the ski-road. Path to the Chalamain Gap & looking towards the Cairngorms Before long, we had reached the gap. On the far side of the pass, a few miles further on, there has been extensive recent path repair work at a junction of paths. County/Area - Highland. The magnificent walk from Cairn Toul to Braeriach follows the edge of a vast plateau around the Cairngorms' most spectacular corries. Boulder-fields on the ascents, made more difficult and dangerous under snow cover. Eventually it meets a track coming in from your right - keep ahead onto this track. It is also exceptionally remote and arduous; many will break the route with an overnight stay at Corrour bothy. The name "Chalamain Gap" has been applied relatively recently to this ravine, since in Alexander (1928) the author does not name the gap, but describes it - writing: a fine example of the "dry dens" or ravines which are found at various points on the Cairngorms, and which are supposed to have formed by glacier overflows or side streams The walk begins from the Sugarbowl car park which is part way up the hill road from Glenmore to the Cairn Gorm parking area; there is a parking charge. The cliffs on the northern face are the highest in the Scottish Highlands and provide classic rock climbs and scrambles for except mountaineers and climbers, and ice climbing surfaces. location only) Go to Cairngorm Walks Length - 15.0 miles / 24.4 km. 15 06 2014 I’ve had to do the massive Cairngorm peak of Braeriach twice so far, the first time with Richard and the second time alone, this May, to bag the Munro top of Carn na Criche (4150 feet) which we couldn’t find in the mist on the first visit! Stage 1. Braeriach is Scotland's third highest mountain at 1296m. At 1,296m, Braeriach is the third highest mountain in the British Isles after Ben Nevis and Ben Macdui. Scotland - Highlands and Islands - Highland - Cairngorms. At the next junction of tracks - close by Loch Morlich, turn right to follow the track that heads round the southern side of the loch. Mostly well made paths. From this point one path climbs to Braeriach and another goes through the Chalamain Gap to the Cairngorm Ski Centre. Walked in Via Chalamain Gap and Lairig Ghru, camped near corrour Bothy and started from Devils Point. We'll be staying at the Badaguish Outdoor Centre. W ith its wide rolling plateau and monumental corrie system Scotland's third highest mountain is also one of its most interesting and impressive. This is a very popular path with people heading into the Ghru and also upon to Braeriach and the surrounding mountains. Join or log in above if you are already a member. Braeriach summit is on the edge of the precipitous Coire Brochain with superb views of Cairn Toul, Ben Macdui and the source of the River Dee. Braeriach via the Chalamain Gap Grade - hard Length - 15.0 miles / 24.4 km. Summary:The magnificent walk from Cairn Toul to Braeriach follows the edge of a vast plateau around the Cairngorms' most spectacular corries. Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing? Eventually it descends to cross the tiny burn of the Caochain Dubh a' Chadha; ignore a rougher path that heads off right for the Eag a' Chait. Chalamain Gap/Lairig Ghru. This was a long and gruelling day. The route is strenuous and long but rewarding. Rothiemurchus, the Lairig Ghru and the Chalamain Gap Fired by the success of the Bynack More climb the day before, I've resolved to attempt Braeriach - Scotland's third highest mountain - today. People are asked to stay at home except for essential purposes. Walk 2421 : Braeriach via the Chalamain Gap. Visibility down to about 50-150 yards all day in snow (may 13th!!!) Located on the western side of the Grampian Mountains in Lochaber, the mountain attracts close to 100,000 ascents a year. Grade - hard. It is also exceptionally remote and arduous; many will break the route with an overnight stay at Corrour bothy. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. The path now gives much easier going, though often very exposed to the wind, descending gradually southwest at first before a steeper final descent to reach the Allt Druidh burn that flows down from the Lairig Ghru. Copyright ©1999, ©2021 Walkingworld Ltd. All rights reserved | Credits. From the airy summit of Braeriach on the edge of Coire Brochain, reverse the outgoing route back down as far as the point where the path from the Chalamain Gap entered the Lairig Ghru. Moving through them is a full body experience weaving left and right, climbing up and down, a hand hold here, a knee used there. The Chalamain Gap is a chaotic jumble of boulders cast haphazardly against each other choking the deep narrow notch between Lurchers Crag and Creag Chalamain. Braeriach (Scottish Gaelic: Am Bràigh Riabhach) is the third-highest mountain in the British Isles, surpassed only by Ben Nevis and Ben Macdui.It is the highest point in the western massif of the Cairngorms, separated from the central section (containing Ben Macdui and Cairn Gorm) by the pass of the Lairig Ghru.The summit has a crescent shape, with several corries. Cameron and the rest of the team negotiate the boulder field in the Chalamain Gap We crossed the ski access road from the car park and immediately descended into a pine-tree lined little ravine. On the Cairngorms expect winter even in summer, so be prepared for all weathers! Length - 15.0 miles / 24.4 km. The route from the Sugarbowl Car Park crosses below the northern corries and passes through the impressive boulder-filled Chalamain Gap, before dropping into the Lairig Ghru. On the far side the path climbs steeply. Are you sure you wish to delete this comment? Our running club is looking for a decent day run in the Cairngorms, and one suggestion is to do Braeriach from the Sugar Bowl car park, via the Chalamain Gap, and then returning via the Lairig Ghru into Rothiemurcus and back to Loch Morlich. Braeriach linear via the Chalamain Gap . Get answers to your questions in our photography forums. Note: The distances quoted to other walks in the vicinity are measured in a straight line. It can be bypassed on the west side by a narrow path which can just be seen on the right at the start of the gap when coming from the north. Use back button to return to the photo gallery lists. Buses from Aviemore go to the Cairn Gorm ski centre near the start point. It always surprises me on the amount of folk who walk up Braeriach and approach through the Chalamain Gap. Please let us know by clicking here. Braeriach has to be an all-time favourite “big” mountain. Note, this is a demanding and long walk. The heavy foot traffic … However the route described here makes a circular route and also benefits from a start through the Caledonian Pinewoods. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate Once through the gap there are new views ahead to the Sron na Lairige ridge of Braeriach. The Cairngorm National Park was formed in 2003 to protect the unique aspects of the area. The distance by road may be further. The route from the Sugarbowl Car Park crosses below the northern corries and passes through the impressive boulder-filled Chalamain Gap, before dropping into the Lairig Ghru. Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands. There is no need to cross the burn - instead turn right down the near side, soon picking up the clear path from the Lairig Ghru down towards Rothiemurchus. The summit of the mountains was once an observatory built in 1883 … Nat Park - Cairngorm. I always approach Braeriach via alternative routes. Time - 12 hours 0 minutes. Go straight across the road onto a rough path here, soon meeting a well-made path that runs parallel to the road - turn right along it. These must be clambered over to pass through the gap - tiring and difficult terrain that requires care. Turn right here onto a path towards Loch Morlich. Walking the Munros Vol 2 - Northern Highlands and the Cairngorms. Coupled with the climb itself, you've got all the components for a classic day in the Cairngorms, … Aviemore, Rothiemurchus and the Northern Cairngorms, Open start point in Google Maps for directions. Start - OS grid reference NH985073 Lat 57.145331 + Long -3.6790687 Postcode PH22 1RB (approx. I wouldn’t fancy trying to cross this in winter conditions as deep snow would make this area particularly dodgy underfoot, but we made fairly quick progress despite the large boulders (this was the first of many bouldery sections of the walk). Does your firm want to sponsor this route. The steep climb up the ridge of Sron na Lairige provides amazing views down the Lairig Ghru and across to Lurchers Crag and Ben Macdui. Go diagonally across this and take a path off the far side, again coming alongside the Allt Mor. Do not cross but instead turn sharp left to retrace your steps back to the Sugarbowl. The Chalamain Gap is a narrow, rocky pass between Creag a' Chalamain and Lurcher's Crag - a route which is notoriously choked with boulders. Cairngorm. There are great views ahead of the Northern Corries of Cairn Gorm. Scotland is under national lockdown. Not suitable for cycle access. Access is available to Walkingworld subscribers or you can buy the walk individually for £1.95 once you are logged in. The route from the Sugarbowl Car Park crosses below the northern corries and passes through the impressive boulder-filled Chalamain Gap, before dropping into the Lairig Ghru. Fitness tested to my absolute limits and beyond. Once atop the high bank there are great views looking back over Glen More and the Ryvoan Pass; turn left along the path high above the burn. Définitions de chalamain gap, synonymes, antonymes, dérivés de chalamain gap, dictionnaire analogique de chalamain gap (anglais) ... and leading to the bealach between Braeriach and Sron na Lairige. A variation in the route is suggested for the return from this point. using a map and compass. This stunning stretch of path leads down to a major path junction known as Piccadilly. Author - Peter Smyly. Braeriach circuit from … This has been viewed 7,192 times. Expert news, reviews and videos of the latest digital cameras, lenses, accessories, and phones. The mountain stands at 4,409 feet above sea level. Rating: 4.2/5 (94 votes cast) Detailed route description and map. The path repairing is till on going at the Lairig Ghru side of the Chalamain Gap. After a couple of kilometres it reaches the uppermost limit of the pinewoods - one of the most magical places in the Cairngorms. Ignore the rougher park that forks off right (towards Rothiemurchus Lodge), instead continue down the main path through the trees, high above the Allt Druidh.