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Cairngorm 4000's Ski Tour - Hayfields Carpark Start

Cairngorms National Park

The ultimate long-distance ski-tour in the Cairngorms, starting from the Hayfield carpark at Glenmore.

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
42 km
Ascent
2.7 km
Descent
2.7 km
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
327 m
High Point
1.3 km
Gradient
22˚
Cairngorm 4000's Ski Tour - Hayfields Carpark Start Map

Park in the Hayfields carpark at the ski road snow barrier on the edge of Glenmore. Follow the footpath and road up to the ski-station if taking on the route in a clockwise direction. Pick up the Fiacaill Ridge and continue up to summit one, Cairn Gorm. Drop off Cairn Gorm before skinning in a south-westerly direction to Ben Macdui (summit 2).

Description

The descent from Ben Macdui into the Lairg Ghru is the best of the day so savour it! This route follows the line which holds the best snow later in the year. Once in the Lairg Ghru follow the valley south towards the imposing Devil’s Point.

There is a bridge to cross the River Dee near to Corrour Bothy, an option for an overnight stay if splitting the tour in two (it’s at approximately 18km into the round). Keep the Devil’s Point on your left as you skin up towards the saddle. From here follow the ridge north first coming to Cairn Toul (summit 3), then Sgòr an Lochain Uaine (Angel’s Peak) (summit 4) and finally Braeriach (summit 5) (there are some spicy lines dropping back into the Lairg Ghru if time is on your side!).

There is a short descent from Braeriach before back to skinning to Sron na Lairige and back down to the Lairg Ghru and your exit route through the Chalamain Gap. This final climb out of the Lairg Ghru can be a real kick in the teeth after a long day so make sure you have enough in the tank for the final push. Follow the route of the walker’s path back to the bridge and onto the singletrack that follows Cairngorm road back to the carpark.

This gpx follows the best lines for when snow cover is limited, it could be done much more efficiency at times of substantial snowfall.

Difficulty

Severe

Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between December and March

Features

  • Cliffs

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area