Cnoc Thulagain

About Cnoc Thulagain

Rising above the ancient pines of Abernethy Forest, this heather-clad hump offers a quieter perspective on the Spey Valley than its more famous neighbours. It is a steady climb from the forest tracks near Aviemore, rewarding walkers with a sprawling vista across the Strath towards the distant Monadhliath range.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is Gaelic in origin, where Cnoc means a hill or knoll and Thulagain is a derivative of tulach, meaning a hillock or green mound. It translates roughly as the 'Hill of the Hillocks'.
• •From the summit, the view south is dominated by the massive northern corries of the Cairngorms, with the distinctive pyramid profile of Bynack More standing out clearly against the skyline.
• •The hill sits on the fringes of the RSPB Abernethy reserve, meaning the approach through the lower Scots pine forest is prime habitat for rare specialists like the capercaillie and the Scottish crossbill.
• •It serves as an excellent vantage point for observing the weather rolling in over the higher Cairngorm plateau, allowing you to appreciate the scale of the mountains from a slightly more sheltered elevation.
• •Climbing this hill is a practical way to enjoy the grandeur of the high Grampians without the logistical commitment and long walk-ins required for the neighbouring Munros.