Scotland
Cairn of Claise
1063M
3488FT
About Cairn of Claise
Rising as a broad, high-plateau Munro near the A93, this hill is defined by its vast stony summit and sprawling character. It offers straightforward walking on a grand scale, often combined with Glas Maol, featuring clear views across the Mounth towards the dark cliffs of Lochnagar.
Key Statistics
Rank
7th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Lochaber
Prominence
?
118.9m
Nearest Town
Braemar
Geology
You are walking across dark, graphite-rich rocks and hardened sandstones. Pale, fine-grained volcanic rocks also cut through these layers in narrow veins.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NO185788
Latitude
56.8934°N
Longitude
3.3394°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Gaelic Càrn na Claise, meaning 'hill of the hollows.' This likely refers to the deep, scooped-out corries on its northern and eastern flanks, such as Garbh Choire, which contrast sharply with the flat summit plateau.
- •A historic drystone boundary wall runs across the summit area, marking the traditional border between Aberdeenshire and Perthshire. It serves as a useful navigational aid in poor visibility.
- •Walkers often include this peak in a popular four-Munro circuit from the Cairnwell Pass. The high-level route connects it to Glas Maol, Creag Leacach, and Tom Buidhe via relatively easy, undulating ridges.
- •To the north, the summit offers a commanding perspective of the high Cairngorm plateau, while the view east reveals the wild, remote landscape of the White Mounth and the prominent peak of Broad Cairn.
- •Due to its proximity to the Glenshee Ski Centre, you may spend the first half of your ascent wondering if you have actually escaped into the wilderness or simply entered a very high-altitude industrial estate.