Beinn Mheadhoin
Beinn Mheadhoin via the Shelter Stone
Route overview
This classic Cairngorms outing penetrates the heart of the high plateau to visit the dramatic trough of Loch Avon and the famous Shelter Stone. Starting from Coire Cas, the route crosses high ridges before dropping steeply to the loch basin, culminating in the sandy, tor-capped plateau of Beinn Mheadhoin. It offers a rugged, high-altitude journey with substantial re-ascent.
Terrain and underfoot
The route follows constructed paths on the initial ridges, but becomes exceptionally steep, loose, and rocky during the descent through Coire Raibert to Loch Avon. The crossing of the inflow stream at the head of the loch can become impassable in spate. Beinn Mheadhoin's high plateau features pathless, sandy, and bouldery terrain, requiring proficient navigation in poor visibility, and a short, easy scramble to gain the summit tor.
- Distance
- 19.1 km
- Ascent
- 1,690 m
- Typical time
- 7 - 8.5 hoursStandard moving time
- Your time
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Getting there and parking
Driving and parking
Coire Cas, Cairngorm Mountain
Coire Cas is a large car park with room for more than 400 cars. It is a popular start for the northern Cairngorms.
A large surfaced resort car park with marked rows. Leave bus and drop-off circulation clear.
More than 400 cars
- Cost and payment
- Parking is free for the first 45 minutes, then £3.50 up to eight hours and £5.50 up to 18 hours within the daytime period.
- Before you go
- Ordinary overnight parking costs £25. Hillwalkers can arrange unattended overnight parking with the ticket office at £5.50 per night; arrange this in advance.