Craiggowrie

About Craiggowrie

Perched on the northwestern edge of the Cairngorms, Craiggowrie is the first peak on the delightful Meall a' Bhuachaille ridge. It offers stellar views of the Spey Valley without requiring a full day of suffering, though the initial climb ensures your heart knows it is working.

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Did You Know?

• •It marks the western end of the scenic ridge overlooking Glenmore, serving as the opening act for the higher Meall a' Bhuachaille. From here, the views across the Spey Valley toward the Monadhliath mountains are surprisingly expansive for a hill of this stature.
• •Geologically, the hill sits on a foundation of ancient Moine schist, much of which is hidden beneath a thick carpet of heather and blaeberry. It acts as a rugged sentinel guarding the northern entrance to the Glenmore Forest Park.
• •The ascent from the Badaguish side is a classic lesson in Scottish 'directness,' where paths prioritize the shortest distance over the comfort of your calves. It is the perfect warm-up for hikers who believe that switchbacks are a sign of weakness.
• •While the summit is modest at 687m, its isolation from the main Cairngorm plateau means you get a better perspective of the 'Big Boys' than if you were actually standing on them. You can see the weather systems approaching with enough time to regret your life choices.
• •The summit cairn provides the perfect environment for a high-velocity exfoliation session courtesy of the relentless Cairngorm wind. If you manage to eat a sandwich here without losing the ham to a passing gale, you should probably be awarded some kind of local medal.