Walk up Beinn Mheadhoin from the Cairngorm Ski Centre Aviemore
By Ian Tupman 
Posted as a walk in – Cairngorms National Park, Europe, Scotland
Walk up Beinn Mheadhoin from the Cairngorm Ski Centre Aviemore
Route Essentials
Route Summary
A strenuous route with much ascent and descent to reach one of the most isolated Munros in the heart of the Cairngorm plateau
See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.
Distance
20 kmsAscent
1560mTime
6-7 hoursCalculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.
Start Location
Cairngorm ski area car park
Difficulty
Hard Walk
Hazards
The route goes into remote and wild terrain and should not be undertaken lightly. There are two stream crossings to be made and if there has been recent heavy rain or snow melt it is probably better to keep this route for another day as the streams will probably be impassable.
In poor visibility good navigational skills are essential as it is easy to become disorientated on the featureless plateau.
Between June and September, the Highland midge can really spoil your day if you are not well-protected. There are various products available but Smidge seems to be effective for most people.
Weather Forecast:
Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.
Walk up Beinn Mheadhoin from the Cairngorm Ski Centre Aviemore Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download
Walk up Beinn Mheadhoin from the Cairngorm Ski Centre Aviemore
An out and return route to the isolated Munro of Beinn Mheadhoin in the Cairngorms National Park. including a visit to the Shelter Stone.
View the video – here.
Beinn Mheadhoin is the 9th highest mountain in Scotland (and the UK)
Walk up Beinn Mheadhoin from the Cairngorm Ski Centre
Park at the ski area car park. Alternatively, take the number 31 bus from Aviemore to the ski area.
Our route takes us up the right hand (west) side of the funicular using the footpath and some of the ski piste. Walk to the right of the base station and pick up the path behind it. Follow any temporary diversions and keep to the edge of the piste if the ski area is open.
1 Shortly after a left hand bend in the ski piste take the stepped path which rises steeply to gain the shoulder of the west flank of Coire Cas. Continue until you reach the huge cairn at spot height 1141m
2 From the cairn head south-east over broken ground and cross the wide path which rises to your left to Cairn Gorm summit. Continue until reaching the good path which initially descends gradually and then steepens as it enters Coire Raibeirt. Looking ahead our objective is visible on the horizon.
3 Take care descending next to the stream until a crossing point is reached and the path is visible on the other side. If the stream is in spate it may be wise to continue down to Loch Avon and cross there although that would probably mean getting very wet feet.
Having crossed the stream continue on the descending traverse which involves a bit of boulder hopping in places. The views over Loch Avon and towards the west are simply jaw dropping .
4 Continue until the sandy beach is reached and enjoy the views while taking a break before the ascent to come. From the beach head south-west on the path which rises over a couple of small hills (drumlins) and cross the Feith Buidhe where possible.
Look to the south-west and on the bouldery slope below Shelterstone Crag you will see a huge boulder with a cairn on top. This is the Shelter Stone which has been used as an emergency shelter for hundreds of years. Take a look inside and you’ll see that there is space for up to half a dozen people to sleep providing you don’t suffer from claustrophobia!
5 From the Shelter Stone pick up the path which rises steeply and heads south-east before the gradient eases as the plateau is reached. The ground becomes wet in places but can be crossed using the rocks and boulders as we head towards an un-named lochan.
Loch Etchachan now comes into view and it is the highest body of water of its size in the UK. It is also extremely remote and it is worth remembering that you are now a very long way from assistance, should it be required.
6 Continue on the path until the outfall from the loch is reached or, strike away from the path on a rising traverse to meet the path higher up the west flank of Beinn Mheadhoin. The ascent is steep initially but gradually eases as the summit plateau is reached and the various summit ‘barns’ or tors come into view. The first one is worth a detour because it gives better views over Loch Etchachan than the actual summit does.
Now head north-east and cross the stony plateau. Good navigation skills are required here in mist or bad weather. You may get lucky and spot some native wildlife such as a dotterel
As the ground rises, there are several large granite ‘barns’ the far right hand one being the highest and the true summit. Walk around the far side and there is a relatively easy scramble on to the top.
7 The views in all directions are expansive and impressive and in good weather it’s a fine place for a lunch stop. However, you have now reached only the half way point of the route which must now be reversed.
Return over the summit plateau and drop down to Loch Etchachan. Head north-west and take care on the descent to Loch Avon as the legs will probably be getting tired by now.
8 Another beach visit and refreshments may be taken before tackling the ascent of Coire Raibeirt. Relief will be felt as the gradient eases at the top of the Coire. If time and energies permit, an ascent of Cairn Gorm is possible on the way back down to the ski area. If not, continue on to the cairn at 1141m.
9 If doing this route in winter conditions (which would be an entirely different undertaking) make sure you take a north-west heading from the cairn to avoid any cornicing on the rim of Coire Cas.
Descend the pitched path to reach the ski piste and after the third bend, take the footpath signed ‘Base Station’. Stay on this path to return to the car park and the start of the route.
Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks
Route Summary:
A strenuous route with much ascent and descent to reach one of the most isolated Munros in the heart of the Cairngorm plateau
This walk includes the Munro of Beinn Mheadhoin
Route Start Location: Cairngorm ski area car park
| Distance |
Ascent |
Time |
| 20 kms | 1560m | 6-7 hours |
Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.
Activivity Type: Hard Walk
Summits and Places on this Route
Facilities
Cafe and toilets at the ski area but no facilities on route
Hazards
The route goes into remote and wild terrain and should not be undertaken lightly. There are two stream crossings to be made and if there has been recent heavy rain or snow melt it is probably better to keep this route for another day as the streams will probably be impassable.
In poor visibility good navigational skills are essential as it is easy to become disorientated on the featureless plateau.
Between June and September, the Highland midge can really spoil your day if you are not well-protected. There are various products available but Smidge seems to be effective for most people.
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.
Parking :
The large car park at the ski area now has a barrier and parking charges apply on a seasonal basis, currently with free parking over the winter months
Public Transport:
Buses operate between Aviemore and the Cairngorm ski area – check they are operational before setting out.
Weather Forecast:
Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
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Guidebooks:
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Ian Tupman
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