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Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry]

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
1083 m (3553 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.
NJ04520135
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
58 of 282 Munros
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
1
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 rowan tree
 

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
  36   Grantown & Aviemore, Cairngorm Mountains
 

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

  Description
Beinn a' Chaorainn, which faces Beinn Mheadoin across the Lairig an Laoigh, is located with Beinn a' Chaorainn Bheag at the N margin of a high featureless plateau, the Moine Bhealaidh.

To the S of the Moine lies another Munro, Beinn Bhreac, and both can be climbed with little loss of altitude.

The W slopes down to the Lairig an Laoigh are steep grass with some heather and crags in places. The normal ascent is from the W but S of the crags. Most other slopes are slopes are of low or moderate incline.

Hazards you may encounter on Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry] include
 Relatively Remote Mountain navigate with care.
 Crags on or near ascent routes.
 
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 Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry]

The cairn on Beinn Chaorainn approaching from the SW.

© Graham Young
Image by Graham Young

The stepping stones at the Fords of Avon, with the gentle slopes of Beinn a' Choarainn rising behind. 14th March 08.

© Alex Bryce
Image by Alex Bryce

Beinn a' Chaorainn from Beinn Bhreac

© Russell Mullen
Image by Russell Mullen

Beinn Chaorainn and Beinn Chaorainn Bheag seen looking north from the Moine Bhealadh.

© Graham Young
Image by Graham Young
View All 14 Images for Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry]

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 		Beinn Mheadhoin
by Metcheck
Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry] 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 Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry].

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

  Routes that include Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry]
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 1130 m 29.68 km 8 hrs Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry] and Beinn Bhreac [Glen Derry]  This moderate route to two of the central Cairngorms requires endurance. The Moine Bhealach can be heavy going in wet weather. N.B. The route time can be shortened by cycling to Derry Lodge.  
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry]

  Baggers Gallery for Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry]

Myself and Fernie on the top of Beinn a` Chaorain in the midst of a squal (note the horozontal hail) 3rd April 2011

© Colin Fridge
Image by Colin Fridge

Top of Beinn a Chaorainn 09/10/09.

© Dave Smith
Image by Dave Smith

Just left the summit of Beinn a Chaorainn...oct 4th 2009....stunning view

© Dougie Mccoll
Image by Dougie Mccoll

At the top of Beinn Chaorainn

© Claire Wales
Image by Claire Wales
View All 13 Baggers Images for Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry]
The logging section stores any entries for Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry] 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
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Recently Climbed By
Colin Armstrong on 30 May 2023
Tim Hayward on 19 May 2023

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 Shared Members Track Logs

Post a few words about Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry] or read what others have had to say.

 Comments
 
Alex Bryce
wrote on
March 15, 2008
Probably the shortest one-day route to Beinn a' Chaorainn: From the Cairngorm ski-centre, wandered up to the Ptarmigan restaurant then cut over to the Saddle above Loch Avon. From there its a fairly straight-forward walk to Fords of Avon and up and down the easy slopes of Beinn a'Chaorainn. From there I chose the long walk out via Lairig an Laoigh-Bynack Stables-Ryvoan Pass, but that was only due to deep snow on Cairngorm.
Chris Bowles
wrote on
December 23, 2007
It was a case of just climbing Beinn a' Chaorainn, cycling about 1km past Derry Lodge before walking to the high point on the Lairaig an Laoigh. From there we struck east up fairly easy heather slopes, with not much of a path to be seen. In good conditions navigation is easy up easy-angled stony slopes. Reversed the route back which overall took 5.5 hours, a bike will be a massive help on this route.
Craig Shaw
wrote on
August 26, 2005
Found myself and four mates on a mountain course sat on the top of Beinn a Chaorainn having a bite for breakfast at 8am on the 25th Aug 2005, after an early start from our camp in Lairig an Laoigh and a short hard pull up the west slope. Cracking views and warm sunshine too! Then walked across the plateau to touch the top of Bein Bhreac. Two munro`s before half past nine, not a bad morning`s work!!
 
 

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
  Date Title Written by Including...
1 10 Jan 2010 dead battery Chris Mercer Beinn a' Chaorainn [Glen Derry] Not Yet Rated
 
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