If you want to bag three Munros in a single day without destroying your legs, the Cairnwell group at Glenshee is hard to beat. Starting from the highest public road pass in Britain at 670m, the total ascent across all three peaks is just 717m — less than a single ascent of Ben More. For context, you’re driving higher than most Munro starting points before you even leave the car.
The trade-off? The Cairnwell itself has a ski lift on its summit and the infrastructure of the Glenshee Ski Centre gives these mountains a less wild feel than most Munros. But don’t let that put you off — the views are excellent, the ridge walk to Carn a’ Gheoidh is genuinely lovely, and there’s a real satisfaction in ticking off three in one outing. This is also a fantastic option for a first Munro experience.
Route Overview
- Carn Aosda — Munro — Ancient Rocky Hill — 917m
- Carn a’ Gheoidh — Munro — Rocky Hill of the Goose — 975m
- The Cairnwell — Munro — Hill of Bags — 933m
- Total distance: 14.2km
- Total ascent: 717m
- Moving time: ~3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate — well-marked paths, no scrambling, manageable gradients
| Munro Name | Pronunciation | Translation | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carn Aosda | Carn Oosda | Ancient Rocky Hill | 917m |
| Carn a’ Gheoidh | Carn a Yowie | Rocky Hill of the Goose | 975m |
| The Cairnwell | As is | Hill of Bags | 933m |
The route starts and finishes at the Glenshee Ski Centre car park. You climb Carn Aosda first, then head west along the ridge to Carn a’ Gheoidh, before returning via The Cairnwell. Navigation is generally straightforward, though we found ourselves losing the path a few times in the clagged-in conditions we encountered — a GPS or map and compass are essential regardless of how well-marked the paths appear.
Getting There and Parking
The hike starts from the Glenshee Ski Centre car park on the A93 at the Cairnwell Pass. Parking charges apply — it was £6 for our camper or £4 for a car. There are toilets and a café on site, making this one of the most civilised Munro starting points in Scotland. A pre-hike breakfast or post-hike coffee are both very much on the cards.
From Perth, the car park is about an hour’s drive north on the A93 through Blairgowrie. From Edinburgh, allow around 90 minutes. From Glasgow, it’s closer to two hours. The A93 is the main route and is well-maintained, though it can be affected by snow in winter — check conditions before heading up.
The Glenshee Ski Centre car park at the start of the Cairnwell Munros route
Stage 1 — Carn Aosda (917m)
The first Munro of the day is the smallest and quickest. From the ski centre, take the path to the right and follow the rocky track up the hill. There’s no gentle warm-up here — you’re climbing from the first step, passing ski lifts and the snow factory on your way up.
At the fork in the path around 890m, take the right branch which leads up to the summit of Carn Aosda. Most people reach the top in 40–60 minutes depending on fitness. It’s a short, sharp introduction to the day and the views back over the A93 and towards the Cairngorms give you a taste of what’s to come.
The view from the ascent of Carn Aosda
Stage 2 — Carn a’ Gheoidh (975m)
From Carn Aosda, retrace your steps down and head west, following the track across the top of the ski runs. The path snakes down to the bealach above Loch Vrotachan — a lovely spot to catch your breath — before climbing gradually up grassy slopes towards Carn a’ Gheoidh.
This is the best section of the day. The ridge walk feels properly mountainous, the ski centre infrastructure fades behind you, and the landscape opens up with long views across the eastern Highlands. The final approach involves a short, fairly steep climb to the summit, but nothing technical.
Carn a’ Gheoidh at 975m is the highest of the three and a good place to stop for something to eat. The summit feels more remote than the other two, and on a clear day the views north towards the Cairngorm plateau are excellent.
The ridge walk towards Carn a'Gheoidh
Stage 3 — The Cairnwell (933m)
Retrace your steps back towards the bealach above Loch Vrotachan and take the path to the right which leads up to the summit of The Cairnwell. This is the least aesthetically pleasing of the three — there are buildings and a ski lift at the top which are a bit of an eyesore. The summit is marked by the famous wooden toilet, which you dutifully tap before heading back down.
Near the summit of The Cairnwell
From the summit, you have the option to take the chairlift for a quicker descent (when it’s running) or follow the paths back down to the car park. We opted for the path and were treated to some spectacular jump-scares from grouse hiding in the heather — arguably the highlight of our clagged-in day.
The descent from The Cairnwell back to the ski centre
When to Climb the Cairnwell Munros
Summer (May–September) is the easiest time. The paths are at their driest, the days are long, and you can comfortably complete the route in an afternoon if needed. The ski centre café is usually open.
Autumn (October–November) is excellent — fewer people, golden light, and often crystal-clear visibility across the Cairngorms. The grassy slopes turn golden and the ridge walk to Carn a’ Gheoidh is particularly atmospheric.
Winter (December–March) is when Glenshee comes alive as a ski resort. The Munros are still accessible, but the paths may be under snow and navigation requires more care. Crampons and an ice axe may be needed on steeper sections, particularly the final push to Carn a’ Gheoidh. The upside is that you can combine a morning on the slopes with a quick summit bag — or vice versa.
Spring (March–April) can be a mix of lingering snow on the higher ground and boggy conditions lower down. The A93 is generally clear by this point, but check road conditions before driving up.
Combine With
The Cairnwell Munros are typically done as a standalone outing, though the relatively low ascent means you’ll likely have energy left at the end. If you’re staying in the area, Glas Maol and Creag Leacach are accessible from the same car park and make for a good second day.
For a change of pace, Schiehallion is about an hour’s drive to the west and makes for a great standalone day. The Ben Lawers range is also within reach from the Perthshire side.
Tips for This Route
- Start with Carn Aosda, not The Cairnwell. Going anti-clockwise means you save the shortest ascent for last when your legs are tired.
- Don’t underestimate the navigation. In clear weather it’s straightforward, but in mist the featureless terrain between the peaks caught us out more than once. Carry a GPS or map and compass.
- The café is your friend. A pre-hike breakfast or post-hike coffee at the Glenshee Ski Centre makes the day that bit more civilised.
- The ridge to Carn a’ Gheoidh is the highlight. Don’t rush it — this is the most enjoyable section of the walk.
- These are great Munros for a short day. If you’re travelling further north and want to tick off three peaks without committing to a full-day epic, this is the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Cairnwell Munros good for beginners? Along with Ben Lomond and Schiehallion, these are among the best introductions to Munro bagging. The high starting point means relatively little ascent, the paths are well-marked, and bagging three in one day gives beginners a real sense of achievement. We completed all three in under 5 hours.
How long do the Cairnwell Munros take? Allow 4–6 hours for the full circuit of all three. We did it in about 4 hours 35 minutes including stops. Fitter walkers can do it faster, but the ridge section to Carn a’ Gheoidh deserves time to enjoy.
Where do you park for the Cairnwell Munros? Glenshee Ski Centre car park on the A93 at the Cairnwell Pass (PH10 7QE). Charges apply. Toilets and café on site.
Can you do the Cairnwell Munros in winter? Yes, but be prepared for snow-covered paths and reduced visibility. The ski centre is open and busy in winter, which gives the area a different atmosphere. Crampons may be needed on the steeper sections. The A93 is snow-gated and can be closed in severe weather — check conditions before driving up.
Are the Cairnwell Munros suitable for dogs? Yes — the terrain is generally dog-friendly with no scrambling or boulder fields. The grassy slopes are easy going for most dogs. Keep them on a lead near the ski centre and be aware of grouse nesting in the heather during spring and early summer.
