Where to Hike in the Cairngorms in September

Why the Cairngorms in September Are Seriously Underrated

The Cairngorms in early autumn offer something that few places in the UK can match: high mountain drama, glacial lochs, wildlife-rich forests, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes you forget summer crowds ever existed.

September brings cooler air, longer shadows, and the first hints of autumn colour — particularly in the glens, pinewoods, and around lochs like Uaine and Morlich. The midges are mostly gone, the trails are quieter, and the mountains? Still just as epic.

Whether you want to bag a Munro, explore a Caledonian pine forest, or take on a glacial valley loop, this is the time to do it.

What to Expect in September

• Weather: Typically 10–15°C, with crisp mornings and the occasional windy summit. Expect changeable conditions and check forecasts.
  
  
• Trail Conditions: Generally dry with occasional muddy or rocky sections. High ground can be exposed.
  
  
• Daylight: Around 12–13 hours. Enough for full-day hikes, but early starts are a good idea.
  
  
• Wildlife: Red deer are more active (rutting season starts late September), and you may spot golden eagles or red squirrels in the forests.
  
  
• Midges: Largely gone — a big win if you’ve been avoiding the Highlands in summer.
  
  
• Bonus: The start of autumn colour across the forests, especially in Glenmore, Rothiemurchus and Glen Feshie.
  
  

6 Great Walks to Do in the Cairngorms This September

These routes offer a mix of summit bagging, scenic forest trails and glacial drama. You don’t need to be a hardcore mountaineer — but you will need decent boots and a bit of hill sense.

1. 

Cairn Gorm & Ben Macdui Loop

Distance: 17 km

Time: 6–8 hours

Start Point: Coire Cas car park, Cairngorm Ski Centre

Difficulty: Hard (high mountain terrain, exposed plateau)

Why it’s ideal in September:

Bagging Scotland’s second-highest Munro (Ben Macdui) after Cairn Gorm gives you a proper sense of scale. The views over the Northern Corries and the heart of the Cairngorms plateau are unbeatable in autumn light.

Local tip: Start early to beat cloud build-up and make sure you’re off the plateau before dusk.

2. 

Meall a’ Bhuachaille

Distance: 9.5 km

Time: 3–4 hours

Start Point: Glenmore Forest Park

Difficulty: Moderate

Why it’s ideal in September:

This ridge above Glenmore delivers one of the best views in the park for minimal effort. It’s especially rewarding in the morning, when mist settles over Loch Morlich and the Rothiemurchus forest glows golden.

Local tip: Combine it with a wander to Lochan Uaine (the Green Loch) on the way back.

3. 

The Lairig Ghru (as a one-way or partial out-and-back)

Distance: 30 km full route (can shorten)

Time: 8–10+ hours

Start Point: Linn of Dee or Coylumbridge

Difficulty: Hard (long and remote)

Why it’s ideal in September:

This iconic pass between Braeriach and Ben Macdui is wild, remote and breathtaking. Cooler temps and low sunlight make the boulder-strewn glen feel truly ancient. One for experienced walkers.

Local tip: Do a section as an out-and-back from either side if you’re not up for the full through-hike.

4. 

Ryvoan Pass & Lochan Uaine

Distance: 6 km

Time: 1.5–2 hours

Start Point: Glenmore Visitor Centre

Difficulty: Easy

Why it’s ideal in September:

Perfect for low-level days or families, this pine forest walk leads to a stunning green lochan tucked between hills. The trees start turning in late September, and you’ll often have the place to yourself.

Local tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy it lakeside. The water really is that green.

5. 

Glen Feshie Circular

Distance: 14–16 km

Time: 5–6 hours

Start Point: Achlean car park, Glen Feshie

Difficulty: Moderate

Why it’s ideal in September:

Possibly one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland, Glen Feshie is all golden birch leaves, twisting rivers, and ancient pinewoods in autumn. There’s a wild, cinematic quality to this walk that feels incredibly remote without needing a summit.

Local tip: Go clockwise for the best light over the river as you descend.

6. 

Loch Avon from Coire Cas

Distance: 18 km

Time: 6–7 hours

Start Point: Cairngorm Ski Centre

Difficulty: Hard

Why it’s ideal in September:

A dramatic out-and-back walk that takes you down into one of the most spectacular glacial corries in the Highlands. Expect towering cliffs, a remote sandy beach, and near silence.

Local tip: If winds are howling on the tops, this sheltered route offers a wilder (but protected) alternative to bagging peaks.

What to Pack for September Hiking

• OS Map OL57 (Cairn Gorm) or OL43 (southern Cairngorms)
  
  
• Waterproof & windproof jacket
  
  
• Insulating mid-layer
  
  
• Walking boots with good grip
  
  
• Hat & gloves (yes, even in September)
  
  
• Headtorch (light fades fast)
  
  
• Flask & snacks
  
  
• GPS app or GPX file (download ahead — signal is patchy)
  
  

Local Tips & Handy Info

• Best base towns: Aviemore, Braemar, Kingussie
  
  
• Best cafés & fuel stops:
  
  
  • Mountain Café (Aviemore) – legendary brunch and cake
    
    
  • The Bothy (Braemar) – great coffee and soup
    
    
  • The Old Bridge Inn – post-hike beers by the river
    
    
• Transport: Train to Aviemore; buses to Glenmore (limited in off-season)
  
  
• Stalking season: Some areas may have active deer stalking – check access updates via Outdoor Access Scotland
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Cairngorms in September offer some of the purest mountain walking you can get in the UK — minus the crowds, the midges, and the high-summer heat. Whether you’re chasing Munros, forest trails, or hidden lochans, now is the time to go.

Use the Peaky Baggers app to plan, track and log your hikes, and summit tick lists. Just don’t forget your waterproofs.

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Photo by Jack Skinner on Unsplash