16th July 2023 : Derry Cairngorm – Day Meet

Derry Cairngorm (Munro)
OS Landranger Map 43 (Braemar and Blair Atholl)
Park at Linn o’ Dee National Trust car park NO063898
Distance from Stonehaven to parking at Linn of Dee 60 miles

Derry Cairngorm is an 1155m peak with spectacular views of many Cairngorm peaks including Ben Macdui and its great cliff of Coire Sputain Dearg. The mountain is the legendary location of a hidden lode of Cairngorms, the semi-precious gemstone.

The walk starts at the National Trust Linn O’Dee car park NO063897, (£3/day, coins required) and takes the woodland path to join the track to Derry Lodge (4.5km) passing through the regenerating pines. From here cross the bridge over the Derry Burn and ascend through the pine woods on a well constructed path to pass below the summit of Carn Crom (summit option). Continue on the path heading slightly west of north and ascend the boulder strewn south-east ridge to Derry Cairngorm summit NO01829804 admiring the stunning panorama. Continue north on a distinct path for 2 km, join another path and turn south east to descend to the Hutchinson Memorial Hut. Return by the Glen Derry path to Derry Lodge and then to Linn O Dee (Total distance: 26km; 800m ascent).

Shorter return routes are to backtrack from the summit to just north of the 1040m top NO02009751 and head due east to descend the heathery slopes to Glen Derry after crossing the Derry Burn (Total Distance: 20km; 800m) or to return by the ascent route (Total Distance: 18km; 800m).