Carn na Drochaide

Often overlooked in favour of the nearby high Cairngorms, this rounded Corbett offers a magnificent vantage point for viewing the southern corries of Beinn a' Bhuird. The ascent from Quoich Water transitions through ancient Caledonian pinewoods into open heather, leading to a sprawling summit that feels far more remote than it is.

• •The name translates from Gaelic as the ‘Cairn of the Bridge’, sharing its etymology with the village of Braemar, which was historically known as Cinn Drochaid (Bridge End).
• •The summit provides a spectacular front-row seat to the massive glacial corries of Beinn a' Bhuird and Ben Avon to the north, offering a perspective on their scale that is often lost when standing on those larger plateaus.
• •The approach from the south often includes a detour to the Linn of Quoich, a natural rock ‘Punch Bowl’ where the Earl of Mar reportedly chilled wine during hunting parties in the 18th century.
• •Despite its status as a Marilyn and Corbett, the hill remains relatively quiet, serving as a peaceful alternative when the higher summits of the Dee Valley are shrouded in cloud.
• •It is the ideal destination for those who want to see the 4,000ft Cairngorm giants in all their glory without actually having to endure the grueling walk-ins required to climb them.