Carn Ealasaid from the Lecht
Hillwalking route up Carn Ealasaid from the Lecht Ski Centre
Starting from a height of the 635m by the Lecht Ski Centre, a fairly easy and short hillwalking route can be made over grass and heather to Carn Ealasaid.
Route outline
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| Ascent | 300m (980ft) | |||
| Distance | 7km (4m) | |||
| Time | 2:15hr | |||
| Start/finish | Lecht Ski Centre Grid Ref : NJ247129 | |||
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The Lecht Ski Centre, is the starting point for this fairly easy and short hillwalking route to Carn Ealasaid.
The route follows ski roads to the top of ski-tows and onto the crest and summit of the minor top of Beinn a' Chruinnich. Thereafter, faint trods can be traced through stunted heather up to Carn Ealasaid's summit.
With a car-shuffle or other transport arrangements, the route could be extended down a rough estate track to end by Cock Bridge.
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Route description
1. Getting to The Lecht
Lecht Ski Centre
In the Eastern Highlands, the A939 connects Ballater to Tomintoul. Now a section on the scenic 'SnowRoads', this smooth but somewhat twisty road climbs and descends several times and crosses The Lecht Ski Centre, a few miles south of Tomintoul.
There are two large parking areas either side of the ski centre's main complex though parking may be a bit tight if skiing is taking place.
Should skiing be in full swing, it is also worth noting that depending on the tows in operation and ski-runs being used, you may have to veere slightly further south at the beginning of this hillwalk to avoid clashing with skiers.
2. Carn Ealasaid
Carn Ealasaid from Carn Mhic an Toisich
Starting by the Lecht Ski Centre's main building, aim southwards for another smaller green building below 'The Grouse' ski-tow.
Behind this building, a rough track aims south-west and begins to climb uphill. Within 200m, the track turns west, climbs a height of 100m and meets with a stone cairn-cum-seating construction 
by the top of a couple of ski-tows.
Veer right (north) and follow the track as it continues up Beinn a' Chruinnich and onto its summit 
by the top of the Harrier ski-tow, the longest in the resort.
Turning west and away from the track, follow a faint trod through heather down to the peat-hag bealach between Beinn a' Chruinnich and Carn Ealasaid.
Carn Ealasaid with Ben Avon beyond from Beinn a' Chruinnich
with its small untidy cairn.Carn Ealasaid with Ben Avon beyond from Beinn a' Chruinnich
3. Return
Looking back to Beinn a' Chruinnich from Carn Ealasaid
For most, a simple about-turn on Carn Ealasaid's summit and re-trace of footsteps, returns to the Lecht Ski Centre.
On Carn Ealasaid's summit, a rough estate track can be seen heading southwards along the hill's summit crest. This track travels over Cairn Vaich and downhill to return to the roadside by Cock Bridge, therefore making for a fine alternative route if transport can be arranged to save a walk of 4km back uphill on the A939.
Route profile »
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Weather forecasts »
| Regional | MWIS - Cairngorms and Monadhliath |
| Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
| Seasonal | SAIS - Northern Cairngorms Midge forecast |
Alternative and nearby routes »
Carn Mor from Scalan | |
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Starting and possibly finishing at different points, this linear route discovers some interesting past lives and histories while bagging a heather-clad Carn Mor, north-east of the Lecht Ski Centre. Peaks : 1 Corbett
Ascent : 450m (1480ft) Distance : 6km (4m) Time : 2:15hr |
Brown Cow Hill from Corgarff Castle | |
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Fine estate tracks lead to a delightful hillwalk on wide crests above Corgarff with fine views to Ben Avon to the west and Morven to the east. Peaks : 1 Corbett
Ascent : 600m (1970ft) Distance : 19km (12m) Time : 5:45hr |
Morven hillwalking and race route | |
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The shortest and direct route up Morven begins from near Logie Coldstone in Cromar and takes the form of a steep heathery trudge followed by a gentle hike over a wide crest. This route is also used for the ascent on the Morven Hill Race, with a detour for the descent. Peaks : 1 Corbett
Ascent : 660m (2170ft) Distance : 9km (6m) Time : 3:20hr |
Cromdale Hills | |
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The long and undulating heather-clad ridge that forms the Hills of Cromdale, overlooks Speyside to the west and Strath Avon to the east. The wide ridge features two significant summits, Carn a' Ghille Chearr and Creagan a' Chaise, and a few rather large cairns. Peaks : 2 Fionas
Ascent : 750m (2460ft) Distance : 20km (12m) Time : 6:15hr |
Ben Avon and Beinn a' Bhuird from Tomintoul | |
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A delightful cycle on a fine track following lovely River Avon through Glen Avon is followed by hiking paths on gentle slopes to pass weird rocky tors to reach the high summits of Ben Avon and Beinn a' Bhuird. Peaks : 2 Munros
Ascent : 1600m (5250ft) Distance : 51km (32m) Time : 10:30hr |
