Derry Cairngorm

Derry Cairngorm is a mountain in the Cairngorms range, 14 kilometres north-west of Braemar in Aberdeenshire. It forms part of the central group of Cairngorm hills, linked by a col to Ben Macdui four kilometres to the north-west. Originally named An Carn Gorm, it was renamed to avoid confusion with nearby Cairn Gorm. The Gaelic name means ‘blue cairn of Derry’, referring to the Scots pines on its southern slope near Derry Lodge. From some angles the granite rocks give the mountain a pink tinge, while from others it appears dark blue. The mountain is a six- to seven-kilometre ridge running north to south, rising from Glen Luibeg and ending at Coire Etchachan in the north. Coire Etchachan contains Loch Etchachan, the highest notable body of water in Great Britain at 930 metres, home to trout. The eastern flanks drop steeply into Glen Derry, while the western slopes descend more gently to the Luibeg Burn. Large granite boulders cover the higher slopes, creating a blockfield formed by freeze–thaw action. Two subsidiary summits appear in the Munro Tables: Creagan a’ Choire Etchachan and Sgurr an Lochan Uaine. The summit offers wide views across the Cairngorm giants. Ascents start from the Linn of Dee car park, following a track to Derry Lodge before climbing the southern ridge. Bikes can be used as far as the lodge. Another route begins at the Cairn Gorm ski centre, crossing Ben Macdui to reach Derry Cairngorm. The summit plateau of Ben Macdui can be dangerous in mist or bad weather. From the top all the Cairngorm peaks stand clearly visible.