Munro Profile 3: Braeriach

Region: The Cairngorms
Height: 1,296m (4,252 ft) Third-highest Munro in Scotland

Braeriach is a vast and windswept summit, perched above the dramatic cliffs of the Lairig Ghru. It’s a favourite among those who seek solitude and scale, and while the approach is long, the reward is unforgettable. For campervan travellers, access is straightforward, but overnighting requires a bit of planning.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Sugar Bowl Car Park

Location: Off the Cairngorm Ski Road, near Aviemore
Capacity: Moderate, suitable for campervans during the day
Facilities: No toilets or water; nearest services in Aviemore
Charges: Free
Overnight: Not permitted

Alternative Options

Glenmore Campsite: Full facilities, 5 km from the trailhead
Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Park: Campervan pitches with access to forest trails
Coylumbridge: Limited roadside parking, not suitable for overnight stays

Note: Wild parking may be possible along the ski road, but check signage and seasonal restrictions

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Via Chalamain Gap and Lairig Ghru

Distance: Approximately 20 km round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 1,300 metres
Terrain: Rocky paths, boulder fields, exposed plateau
Time Estimate: 6.5 to 11 hours

Navigation Notes

The summit plateau is broad and often mist-covered; a map, compass, or GPS is essential
Chalamain Gap involves scrambling over boulders
Route can be extended to include Sgor an Lochain Uaine and Cairn Toul

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

Sugar Bowl Car Park allows daytime campervan access
Glenmore and Rothiemurchus sites offer secure daytime and overnight options

Overnight Options

Glenmore Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
Rothiemurchus: Quiet pitches, forest access, walking trails
Wild parking possible along ski road (check local guidance)

Fuel and Supplies

Aviemore: Full services including fuel, supermarkets, outdoor gear shops
Nearest fuel stations: BP and Tesco in Aviemore

Legacy Log

Name origin: Possibly from Gaelic “Bràigh Riabhach” meaning “speckled upland”
Summit features: Cairn with panoramic views across the Cairngorms
Notable geography: Holds one of Scotland’s last permanent snow patches in Garbh Coire Mor
Often paired with Cairn Toul and Sgor an Lochain Uaine for a high-level traverse

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 3 in our every-second-day campervan-access series. If you’ve parked near Braeriach, tackled the Chalamain Gap, or found a quiet overnight spot nearby, feel free to share your comments. Your insights help shape the archive and support fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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