Scotland
Cairn Caidloch
648M
2127FT
About Cairn Caidloch
Situated in the Lochaber region near Ballater, this 648-meter Tump offers a rugged, heather-clad ascent typical of the eastern highlands. While often bypassed for more famous neighbors, its summit provides an earned perspective over the surrounding moorland and a clear view toward the nearby massif of Lochnagar.
Key Statistics
Rank
137th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Lochaber
Prominence
?
48.4m
Nearest Town
Angus
Geology
You are trekking across the Glen Effock Schist, formed from ancient layers of mud and sand that have been compressed into hard, shimmering rocks.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NO430783
Latitude
56.8925°N
Longitude
2.9372°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely originates from the Gaelic 'Càrn', meaning a stony hill, and 'Cadha', which refers to a narrow pass or a steep track. This reflects its physical position overlooking the historic routes that wind through the high ground between Glen Muick and Glen Girnock.
- •From the summit, you gain a specific and clear view of the Coyles of Muick to the north; these three serpentine summits are easily identified by their darker, more jagged appearance compared to the rounded granite slopes of the surrounding hills.
- •The ascent is most frequently tackled as part of a longer circuit from Glen Muick, often combined with a visit to the nearby Pannanich Hill to the east for those looking to explore the quieter fringes of the Mounth.
- •Standing at 648 meters, the hill manages the impressive feat of being high enough to induce heavy breathing but low enough to ensure your efforts remain entirely anonymous to the Munro-bagging community.