With a high-level start and the option of using the mountain railway to aid your ascent or descent, Cairn Gorm is one of the easiest Munros, and the secluded Sauna Cairngorms has a community feel.
This Munro is home to an entire ski resort, so it’s not the wildest experience on this list, but the sensational views of Cairngorms National Park make up for the presence of infrastructure on the mountain. Starting from 635m, Cairn Gorm is one of the easiest to climb when you approach it via Windy Ridge path (and not from Ben MacDui, which requires proper preparation and navigation skills to cross the massive Cairngorm Plateau). The option of using the Mountain Railway for part of the climb or descent means you’ll encounter all ages and abilities of hikers at the summit.
Cairn Gorm + Sauna Cairngorms: route description
Start/finish: Cairngorm Mountain car park (NH989059) | Map: OL57 Cairn Gorm | Distance: 6.8km / 4.2 miles | Ascent: 616m / 2,021ft | Duration: 3 – 4 hours | Difficulty: 2.5/5
1. NH990060: Start on the signposted Windy Ridge path, which takes a left turn just behind the main buildings of the resort. Cross under the funicular line and after about 0.5km, bear right to follow the snow fences SE towards Ptarmigan Station.
2. NJ005905: The summit path is marked, and the summit of Cairn Gorm itself is obvious. Head S following the handrails for another 1km and arrive at the summit, marked by a large cairn and weather station.
3. NJ006041: If you’re not returning the way you came to take advantage of the Mountain Railway, head SW on the path towards a large cairn.
4. NH999040: Walk NW to switchback Fiacaill a’ Choire Chais ridge before joining the ski centre track. Turn left on the walker’s path beside the Allt a’ Choire Chais, then turn right to cross under the funicular and join the road back to the car park.
Sauna goers in sauna hats chat in Sauna Cairngorms while owner Linda Thain briings in a bucket of water. Credit: Julia Clarke
THE WEE HEAT: Sauna Cairngorms
A 20-minute drive along scenic Loch Morlich leads to the Rowan Tree Country Hotel on secluded Loch Alvie. From the car park, follow the path down to the loch and retreat into Sauna Cairngorms, owned by Kingussie native and yoga teacher Linda Thain. This friendly community sauna welcomes hillwalkers, cyclists from the nearby Burma Road, and Aviemore locals, and is so popular that Thain has added a second sauna for more seating.
For more summit-to-sauna Munro days, see Julia Clarke’s guide to the best in Scotland.
