Carn na Caim and A' Bhuidheanach Bheag
Hillwalking route up two Munros east of Drumochter Pass
Carn na Caim, A' Bhuidheanach Bheag are the highest points on the vast expanse east of Drumochter Pass. A fine track leads from the busy A9 onto this expanse, where a line of fence-posts make for straightforward navigation on what would otherwise be very challenging ground.
Route outline
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| Ascent | 800m (2620ft) | |||
| Distance | 16km (10m) | |||
| Time | 5:30hr | |||
| Start/finish | 3km south of Dalwhinnie Grid Ref : NN639821 | |||
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A fine track leads onto the expansive moorland around Carn na Caim and A'Bhuidheanach Bheag. Terrain is fairly easy underfoot, with fence-posts aiding navigation between A'Bhuidheanach Bheag to Carn na Caim. Heather-clad slopes make for a delightful and quick descent at the end of the route.
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Route description
1. Getting to start near Dalwhinnie
On the track heading to A'Bhuidheanach Bheag
This route starts on the east side of the A9, 1km south of the Dalwhinnie junction, where a track heads into a section of forest. There is limited parking available at the roadside here with more in lay-by 87 on the other side of the road a few metres south.
2. A' Bhuidheanach Bheag
A' Bhuidheanach Bheag's summit trig, with Schiehallion distant
From the large gate (often open), go through the planted forest and head up the track.
The track turns south 
and climbs for 1km, before heading east, then turning south-east for the last 200m ascent up to the plateau.
As it approaches the old quarry, the path seems to disappear into gravel, at this point 
, contour off to the right (south-east) on a faint path for around 500m. This avoids an unnecessary ascent up to a minor summit 
(marked 902m on OS maps) and you'll re-join the track again around 300m south of the minor summit, this time beside a line of fence-posts.
Follow the track and fence-posts south, over a bump for 1km to its end 
, then cross the wet ground and head southwards directly uphill.
After climbing up grassy slopes for another 1km, you should meet up with the line of fence-posts 
to take you to the summit of A'Bhuidheanach Bheag 
with its lonely trig point.
3. Carn na Caim
Carn na Caim's summit with Meall Chuaich beyond
About-turn at A' Bhuidheanach Bheag's trig point and return north following the fence-posts for 500m to retrace steps downhill from the sharp turn in the fence-line . Rejoin the track heading northwards uphill.
Back over the bump and then where you joined the track, instead continue over the minor summit (marked 902m on OS maps) .
Continue following the fence-posts or track over another minor summit (marked 914m on OS maps) 
on towards Carn na Caim.
Over undulating ground, around the top of Coire Uilleim 
, reach a sharp turn in the fence-line 
just before Carn na Caim's summit. Carn na Caim's summit cairn 
cannot be seen from the turn in the fence-line, but the worn path on the ground indicates the way.
4. Return to A9 near Dalwhinnie
Following fence posts back along Carn na Caim
Leave Carn na Caim's summit cairn and retrace your steps for around 1km to the top of Coire Uilleim . Leave the track and begin contouring westwards for around another 1km.
Now keeping to the crest of the shoulder between Coire nan Cisteeachan and Coire Uilleim, enjoy some bounding as you descend over thick heather, back down towards the A9.
Pick up the track and return to the roadside.
Route profile »
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Weather forecasts »
| Regional | MWIS - Southeast Highlands |
| Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
| Seasonal | SAIS - Southern Cairngorms Midge forecast |
Alternative and nearby routes »
East of Drumochter | |
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Carn na Caim, A'Bhuidheanach Bheag and Meall Chuaich form a linear route on the eastern side of Drumochter Pass. Having a bike or other transport organised will save a long return route as the start and end points are around 11km apart. Peaks : 3 Munros
Ascent : 1100m (3610ft) Distance : 25km (16m) Time : 8:10hr |
West of Drumochter Munros | |
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Bags of character and great views, this is a fine high-level route on which to quickly bag the 4 Munros west of the Pass of Drumochter, possibly adding in the Corbett peak of the Sow of Atholl for good measure. Peaks : 4 Munros, 1 Corbett
Ascent : 1300m (4270ft) Distance : 24km (15m) Time : 8:10hr |
An Dun and A' Chaoirnich | |
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An enjoyable cycle on estate tracks leads to Loch an Duin from where a fine hike on faint paths and broad crests bags the two remote Corbett peaks of A' Chaoirnich and An Dun. Peaks : 2 Corbetts
Ascent : 1190m (3900ft) Distance : 53km (33m) Time : 5:30hr |
The Fara circuit | |
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Longer and much more enjoyable than a direct route up from Loch Ericht, a delightful circuit on estate tracks and grass covered slopes leads to The Fara's large summit cairn from where vast vistas can be savoured. Peaks : 1 Corbett
Ascent : 550m (1800ft) Distance : 11km (7m) Time : 3:40hr |
Meall na Leithreach from Dalnaspidal | |
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Following estate and ATV tracks, a direct route up Meall na Leitreach covers a distance of only 8km with 450m of ascent. The route can be extended to make a more interesting circuit. Peaks : 1 Corbett
Ascent : 475m (1560ft) Distance : 13km (8m) Time : 4hr |
