Beinn a’ Ghlo Circuit: A 3-Munro Day in the Cairngorms

The Beinn a’ Ghlo circuit is one of the best multi-Munro days in the Southern Highlands. With three distinct summits, far-reaching views, and classic Cairngorm scenery, it’s a top choice for confident walkers wanting a big day without technical terrain. You’ll tick off Carn Liath, Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain, and Carn nan Gabhar in one long but manageable loop.

This guide covers the full route, including navigation tips, estimated timing, terrain, and everything you need to know to take on this rewarding challenge.

Quick Overview

• Location: Southern Cairngorms, near Blair Atholl
  
  
• Summits:
  
  
  • Carn Liath – 975 m
    
    
  • Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain – 1,070 m
    
    
  • Carn nan Gabhar – 1,121 m
    
    
• Route Type: Circular / Lollipop loop
  
  
• Distance: 18–22 km (depending on exact line)
  
  
• Time Required: 7–9 hours
  
  
• Difficulty: Challenging (length, multiple climbs, some navigation needed)
  
  
• Start Point: Loch Moraig, near Blair Atholl
  
  
• Best For: Munro baggers, long-distance hikers, scenic solitude
  
  

Getting There & Parking

• Start Point: Small parking area at Loch Moraig
  
  
• Postcode (nearest): PH18 5SY
  
  
• Access Road: Narrow tarmac road from Blair Atholl—drive slowly, may have potholes
  
  
• Parking: Limited – fills quickly on weekends. No facilities.
  
  
• Public Transport: Train to Blair Atholl, then ~1-hour walk to trailhead
  
  

Route Description

Section 1: Loch Moraig to Carn Liath

From the car park, follow the track northeast past a farm and into open moorland. The route becomes rougher underfoot as you gain height. Carn Liath (975 m) is your first target—a steep and direct climb to get the legs working early.

• Terrain: Grassy then stony, eroded in places
  
  
• Views: South over Blair Atholl and across to the Cairngorms
  
  
• Tip: This is the steepest climb of the day—pace yourself
  
  

Section 2: Along the Ridge to Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain

Descend from Carn Liath and follow the undulating ridge path northwards. A short drop is followed by a gentler rise toward Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain (1,070 m), the second and perhaps least distinct of the three.

• Terrain: Mostly grassy with sections of exposed path
  
  
• Navigation: Straightforward in clear conditions
  
  
• Wildlife Spotting: Look out for mountain hares and ptarmigan
  
  

Section 3: Out-and-Back to Carn nan Gabhar

Continue northeast to reach Carn nan Gabhar (1,121 m) – the highest and furthest Munro of the circuit. The true summit is slightly beyond the first cairn, marked by a trig point.

• Top Tip: Many stop at the first cairn—keep going to bag the actual summit!
  
  
• Terrain: Windswept plateau, occasional peat hags
  
  
• Views: Ben Macdui, Lochnagar, and far into the Grampians
  
  

Section 4: Descent via Glen Tilt Approach

You can either:

• Retrace your route briefly, then descend west via a grassy ridge
  
  
• Or complete the full lollipop loop by dropping into Glen Tilt via a stalker’s path and returning along a good estate track
  
  
• Descent: Long but not technical
  
  
• Distance note: The full loop adds distance but avoids reascending previous peaks
  
  
• Time: Descent takes ~2.5–3 hours depending on line chosen
  
  

Navigation & Maps

• Maps Required:
  
  
  • OS Explorer OL52 (Pitlochry, Blair Atholl & Glen Tilt)
    
    
  • Harvey’s Cairngorms map (if using GPS as backup)
    
    
• GPX File: Available via Peaky Baggers, Walkhighlands or AllTrails
  
  
• Visibility: In poor weather, ridgelines can be confusing—bring map and compass, and know how to use them
  
  

What to Bring

• Sturdy walking boots (rough and eroded in places)
  
  
• Waterproof layers—weather can change fast
  
  
• Plenty of food and 2+ litres of water
  
  
• Walking poles – useful for long descents
  
  
• Sun protection in summer – much of the route is exposed
  
  
• Emergency shelter for remote conditions
  
  
• Map, compass and/or GPS with power bank
  
  

Wildlife & Landscape

• Common sightings: Red deer, ptarmigan, ravens, golden eagles
  
  
• In bloom: Heather in late summer is stunning
  
  
• Landscape: A mix of high plateaus, steep-sided corries and wide-open views
  
  

Post-Hike Options

• Pubs:
  
  
  • The Bothy Bar (Blair Atholl)
    
    
  • Moulin Inn (Pitlochry – a bit further but worth the detour)
    
    
• Cafés: Food in Blair Atholl and House of Bruar
  
  
• Accommodation: Blair Castle Caravan Park or B&Bs in Blair Atholl
  
  

Tips for the Trail

• Do it clockwise – gets the steepest ascent out of the way early
  
  
• Check wind direction – high plateaus can feel very exposed
  
  
• Save the GPX – summit cairns aren’t always obvious in mist
  
  
• Early start recommended for parking and daylight
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Beinn a’ Ghlo circuit offers one of the best multiple-Munro days in the Cairngorms—long enough to be a challenge, scenic enough to be unforgettable. With rolling ridgelines, expansive views and fewer crowds than other Munro hotspots, this route deserves a place on every serious bagger’s list.

📲 Tick off all three Munros and track your progress using the Peaky Baggers app—a great way to keep your logbook growing and plan your next adventure.

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Photo by Eilis Garvey on Unsplash