Scotland
Hare Cairn
516M
1693FT
About Hare Cairn
Rising above the Spittal of Glenshee south of Braemar, this straightforward Marilyn provides a fine introduction to the eastern Highlands. Its heather-clad slopes are a sanctuary for red grouse, while the summit offers a clean line of sight toward the distinctive peaks of Glas Maol and the rolling landscape of the Angus Glens.
Key Statistics
Rank
237th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Lochaber
Prominence
?
180m
Nearest Town
Glenhead
Geology
You are walking upon the Glen Lethnot Grit, a sturdy foundation of ancient, hardened layers of gritty sand and fine-grained muddy rocks.
Classifications
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NO242623
Latitude
56.7461°N
Longitude
3.2410°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is a direct reference to the mountain hare, which is frequently spotted on these slopes; these animals are the only lagomorphs native to Britain and turn white in winter.
- •Its summit is an excellent vantage point for surveying the 'Mounth' passes, ancient droving routes that once connected the Lowlands to the Dee valley and Braemar.
- •To the north, the view is dominated by the steep, scree-covered flanks of Creag Leacach, providing a stark contrast to the gentler, heathery slopes of Hare Cairn itself.
- •Navigating the final approach requires some patience, as the ground is notoriously punctuated by peat hags that can swallow a walking pole—or a boot—if you aren't paying attention.