Scotland
Carn a' Chaorainn NW Top
553M
1814FT
About Carn a' Chaorainn NW Top
Rising above the upper Spey Valley, this subsidiary shoulder offers a quieter perspective on the Monadhliath landscape. The terrain is typical Scottish moorland—predominantly heather and peat—requiring sturdy boots for the trackless sections. It serves as an excellent vantage point for surveying the massive northern corries of the Cairngorm plateau across the strath.
Key Statistics
Rank
193rd Highest in Region
Parent Range
Data coming soon
Prominence
?
22
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
You are walking on the Crom Psammite Formation. This durable rock began as ancient sand that was squeezed and hardened by intense heat and pressure.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NH189548
Latitude
57.5469°N
Longitude
5.0279°W
Did You Know?
- •The name Carn a' Chaorainn is Scottish Gaelic for 'Cairn of the Rowan Tree.' While rowans were historically revered in Highland folklore for their protective qualities, you are more likely to find heather and hardy grasses on these exposed upper slopes today.
- •From this specific northwestern vantage, the view is dominated by the vast scale of the Cairngorm giants to the east, including the distinctive profiles of Braeriach and the high plateau above the Lairig Ghru.
- •This top is frequently visited as a detour from the main 604m summit of Carn a' Chaorainn, providing a more intimate look down into the folds of the River Spey’s upper reaches.
- •Despite being named for the rowan tree, the actual summit is a masterclass in minimalist vegetation, where the most prominent feature is often the wind rather than the woodland.