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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 21: Derry Cairngorm

Region: Eastern Highlands – Central Cairngorms
Height: 1,155m (3,789 ft)

Derry Cairngorm, “blue cairn of the oak thicket,” rises in boulder-strewn solitude above Glen Derry, forming a sculptural ridge that links to Ben Macdui via Creagan a’ Choire Etchachan. Though not the highest in the Cairngorms, its summit is mythic, wide, stony, and panoramic, with views across Loch Etchachan, Beinn Mheadhoin, and the granite tors of Cairn Gorm. The approach is long and ceremonial, often staged from Linn of Dee with bike-assisted access to Derry Lodge, followed by a steady climb through pine forest and high moor.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Linn of Dee car park
Location: ~9 km west of Braemar, off the Linn of Dee road
Grid Reference: NO062897
Capacity: Large; suitable for daytime campervan access
Facilities: Toilets (seasonal), picnic area, water refill
Charges: £3/day (National Trust for Scotland)
Overnight: Not permitted at the trailhead; wild parking is discouraged nearby

Alternative Options

  • Braemar: Campsite, fuel, shop, café, and community courtesy
  • Mar Lodge Estate: Walkers’ accommodation and legacy access
  • Wild parking: Limited and discouraged, use designated areas only

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Via Glen Derry and Coire Craobh an Oir, often extended to include Ben Macdui or Beinn Mheadhoin.
Distance: ~28 km round trip (bike + hike)
Elevation Gain: ~1,100 metres – Distance and elevation may vary depending on seasonal conditions and summit extensions.
Terrain: Estate track, pine forest, boulder fields
Time Estimate: 8 to 9 hours (single push); 2 days with bothy overnight

Navigation Notes

  • Begin by cycling or walking from Linn of Dee to Derry Lodge (~5 km)
  • Continue on foot through Glen Derry, then ascend via Coire Craobh an Oir
  • Summit is wide and boulder-covered; care is needed in the mist
  • Often linked with Ben Macdui or Beinn Mheadhoin for a high-level circuit
  • Map and compass essential, GPS helpful for track junctions and summit identification

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Linn of Dee car park offers direct access
  • Arrive early, popular with long-distance walkers and legacy pilgrims

Overnight Options

  • Braemar Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys near Inverey (check signage)
  • Mar Lodge: Legacy-linked accommodation with access to estate tracks

Fuel and Supplies

  • Braemar: Fuel station, small shop, cafés
  • Ballater: Larger supermarket and outdoor gear
  • Outdoor gear: Available in Aviemore and Inverness

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Derry Cairngorm” means “blue cairn of the oak thicket”
  • Summit features: Boulder dome, panoramic solitude, sculptural hush
  • Known for: Remote access, granite prominence, and sacred pacing
  • Popular with: Wilderness pilgrims, legacy stewards, and those seeking mythic endurance

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 21 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve traced the oak-thicket hush, paused at the boulder crest, or found a rhythm in Glen Derry’s sculptural folds, your reflections are welcome. Each insight helps shape the archive and supports 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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Optional Companion Tools:

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