Cairn Toul

Cairn Toul stands in the western massif of the Cairngorms, a range of high, rounded mountains in Aberdeenshire. It is the fourth-highest peak in Britain, rising to 1,291 metres above sea level. The mountain dominates the Lairig Ghru pass, a deep cleft between the peaks. Its Gaelic name, Càrn an t-Sabhail, means ‘hill of the barn’. Cairn Toul is linked to Braeriach by a high bealach at about 1,125 metres. From the south it is often climbed with The Devil’s Point, two and a half kilometres away. The mountain is usually tackled as part of a long day’s walk. Routes from Coire Cas above Speyside or from Linn of Dee cover about fifteen kilometres there and back. A northern route takes in Braeriach and Sgor an Lochain Uaine. From the west, a start at Achlean in Glen Feshie shortens the round trip to about twenty-seven kilometres. All approaches cross rough terrain, including boggy plateaus and steep slopes. At the foot of Cairn Toul, in the narrow defile of the Lairig Ghru, stands Corrour bothy. The bothy offers shelter to walkers crossing the pass. From the summit, views stretch across the Cairngorms massif on clear days. The high plateau and deep glens create a remote, wild landscape. The mountain’s height and position make it a landmark for those exploring the range.