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Cairn Toul

Munro

Quick Facts
This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
Altitude
1291 m (4235 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.
NN96349720
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
4 of 282 Munros
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
3
Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
Meaning
Hill of the Barn
 

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

OS Landranger Maps Required
  43   Braemar & Blair Atholl
 

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

 Description
To the E and N of Cairn Toul are cliffs contributing to the western wall of the Lairig Ghru, but to the W and the S (at least as far as the Buidheanach of Cairntoul) the slopes are easy.

An easy path from the E leads from the Corrour Bothy in the Lairig Ghru through Coire Odhar to a col NW of the Devils Point. The route continues NNW on easy slopes to the summit of Cairn Toul.

Easy ascents are also possible from either Glen Feshie or Gleann Einich. Due to its proximity to Sgor an Lochain Uaine these mountains are invariably climbed together.

Hazards you may encounter on Cairn Toul include
 Relatively Remote Mountain navigate with care.
 Crags near summit.
 
General Considerations
 Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.
 Wind usually increases with altitude.
 Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.
 River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
Picture Gallery for Cairn Toul

A selection of weather forecasts local to #GetMountain.Top_Name#.

Ordnance Survey digital maps are also available to members.

 Weather & OS Maps
Cairngorms * Monadhliath
by MWIS (PDF format)
East Highlands
by Met Office
Braeriach
by Metcheck
Cairn Toul Area Map
Legend  Munro  Corbett  Graham  English/Welsh Top  Accommodation

A selection of local accommodation options who advertise with Munromagic.com.

 Where to Stay
We currently have no
sponsored accommodation listings for this area.

The summary information of one or more ascent routes that include Cairn Toul.

Click on the route title to load the full content for that route.

 Routes that include Cairn Toul
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 1290 m 41.69 km 10.5 hrs Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain Uaine, Beinn Bhrotain, Monadh Mor and The Devils Point  Long route on mixed terrain over 5 Munros in the Cairngorms. Cycling on the initial approach will reduce the time required for this walk. Care required for navigation and proximity to corrie rim in poor visibility.  
2 2220 m 35.67 km 11 hrs Braeriach, Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain Uaine and The Devils Point  Climbing is moderate but there is a lot of it. The centre km of the Lairig Ghru and the Chalamain Gap have significant boulder fields which will be hazardous in the dark.

The route is strenuous and long but rewarding. Not suitable for cycle access.

 
3 2020 m 38.03 km 11.5 hrs Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain Uaine and The Devils Point  A long route that tests endurance, although there are no difficult ascents. The walk can be shortened by cycling to Derry Lodge.  
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of Cairn Toul

 Baggers Gallery for Cairn Toul

Cairn Toul 19/7/2014

© Stuart Mcgeown

Image by Stuart Mcgeown

Me at the top of Cairn Toul, 01/03/14 (honest!).

© Andrew Blair

Image by Andrew Blair

admiring the view from the summit of Cairn Toul

© robin scott

Image by robin scott

Summit of Cairn Toul, 09.08.12.

© Paul Burgess

Image by Paul Burgess
View All 14 Baggers Images for Cairn Toul
The logging section stores any entries for Cairn Toul in your own log. From here you can
  1. Add a route log entry that includes this mountain
  2. Write a full account of your route including photos
  3. Edit an existing log entry including uploading a GPX file or add a photo
  4. Delete your log entry
 Logging
Your Route Log
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Recently Climbed By
David Buchanan-dunlop on 02 Sep 2023
Alister Richmond on 27 Jun 2023
Alan Puckrin on 12 May 2023

If a member has uploaded a tracklog as part of their personal route log and opted to share it then it will be presented here.

You can view a members route overlayed on an online map or download the KMZ file for use in Google Earth.

 Shared Members Track Logs

Post a few words about Cairn Toul or read what others have had to say.

 Comments
 
Stephen Harte
wrote on
May 11, 2010
Walked Neil Cuthbert's route taking in Beinn Bhrotain, Monadh Mor, Sgor an Lochain Uaine, Cairn Toul and The Devils Point. This was one of the best days walking in a long time, lots of sun and fantastic views. Be careful around Sgor an Lochain Uaine and Cairn Toul as there are still snow cornices but the Devils point is clear. Many thanks to Neil for an excellent route.
John Mcallister
wrote on
August 13, 2006
Good Expedition hills these. We did them from Linn of Dee with the help of bikes and a tent. Boy they're big!
Neil Osborne
wrote on
May 23, 2001
A fantastic, if long, day from Coylumbridge over Braeriach to Corour Bothy, About 10.25 hours. Shorter if you don't carry backpacking kit like me!
 
 

A full written account of a climb submitted by our members.

You can prepare your own write up by first making an entry in your route log and then visiting the logging section above.

 Route Write-Ups
There are no Route Write-Ups submitted for Cairn Toul
 
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