Cairngorms

Càrn an Tuirc

1,019 metres · 1 detailed route

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Càrn an Tuirc · Cairn of Claise · Glas Maol · Creag Leacach

Glas Maol Munros circuit, Cairnwell Pass

Route overview

This circular route from the Cairnwell Pass collects four Munros on the high, rolling plateau east of Glenshee. Starting high from the A93, the walk traverses the expansive, stony domes of Càrn an Tuirc and Cairn of Claise before crossing to the prominent peak of Glas Maol and the stony ridge of Creag Leacach, returning via the Glenshee ski area.

Terrain and underfoot

Underfoot terrain is a mix of boggy paths on the lower approaches, broad and featureless grassy or stony plateaus, and a more defined, rocky ridge leading to Creag Leacach. Navigation can be highly challenging in poor visibility across the expansive, flat summits. The return contours steep slopes on a narrow path before descending gravel vehicle tracks through the ski infrastructure and finishing with a walk along the A93.

Distance
19.7 km
Ascent
983 m
Typical time
6 - 7 hoursStandard moving time
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Munros
4

Getting there and parking

Driving and parking

A93 eastern layby north of Glenshee, Glas Maol

The route starts from the layby about 2 km north of the ski centre, grid NO147799. This is separate from the ski-centre car park.

A gravel parking area off the A93, separate from the ski centre. Keep the onward track and river approach clear.

Approximately 8 to 11 cars

Sources checked 2 October 2026

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On foot

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On the road

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Guidebook & paper maps

The Munros

Scottish Mountaineering Club · 4th edition (2021)

  • M113 · p. 167
View on Amazon (paid link)

Walking the Munros · Volume 1

Cicerone

Southern, Central and Western Highlands

  • Guide route 23 · p. 105

Latest edition: 4th (2021) · reprinted 2024. Edition of page references unconfirmed.

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Peak Bagging: Munros · Volume 1

Nicola Hardy · 2025

East Glen Shee MunrosGuide route 61 · p. 315

Hub 10 - Braemar

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The Munro Almanac

Cameron McNeish · 2011

Glenshee and Lochnagar Hills

  • Munro description · p. 65

Page numbers vary by edition.

OS Explorer · 1:25,000
  • OL52Glen Shee & Braemar
OS Landranger · 1:50,000
  • 43Braemar & Blair Atholl

Summit locations only, not the approach or return route.

Check sheets with Ordnance Survey

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Mountain planning note

Route times and descriptions are planning estimates. Recheck mountain weather, access, daylight, river levels and your own experience before setting out.