Craiggowrie

About Craiggowrie

Situated at the western end of the ridge above Glenmore, this heathery Tump offers a quieter perspective than its busier neighbours. The steady ascent provides an exceptional vantage point over the Rothiemurchus Forest, looking across the Spey Valley to Aviemore and the dramatic northern corries of the main Cairngorm massif.

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Did You Know?

• •The name stems from the Gaelic Creag Ghobharaidh, which most likely translates as 'Gowrie’s Rock'. While Gowrie is a common Scottish surname and place name, in this context it may refer to an individual who once held grazing rights on these lower slopes.
• •This hill forms the western anchor of a popular three-summit ridge walk that includes Creagan Gorm and the Corbett, Meall a' Bhuachaille. Tackling the ridge from west to east keeps the most dramatic views of the high Cairngorm plateau directly in front of you.
• •From the summit, walkers are rewarded with a particularly clear view down the great trough of the Lairig Ghru, the famous mountain pass that carves between the massifs of Braeriach and Ben Macdui.
• •The slopes are frequently grazed by the Glenmore Reindeer Herd. It is one of the few places in the UK where you might find yourself sharing a summit path with a semi-feral reindeer, though they are usually more interested in the lichen than the hikers.
• •As a Tump, it lacks the prestige of the Munros across the valley, which means you can usually enjoy the view of the crowds on Cairn Gorm without actually having to join them.