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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 66: Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain

Region: Loch Linnhe to Loch Tay
Height: 1,070m (3,510 ft)

Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain is the central peak in the Beinn a’Ghlo massif, often climbed with Carn Liath and Carn nan Gabhar. Its name, “upland of the corrie of the round blisters”, is poetic and peculiar, evoking the layered terrain and rounded ridges that define its character. For campervan travellers, access is direct via Loch Moraig, with nearby amenities and scenic walking.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Loch Moraig Car Park
Location: Minor road north of Blair Atholl village
Grid Reference: NN897670 (trailhead)
Summit Grid Reference: NN936733

Capacity: Moderate gravel area; suitable for daytime campervan access
Facilities: None at the trailhead; nearest services in Blair Atholl
Charges: Free
Overnight: Not permitted

Alternative Options

  • Blair Atholl: Campsite with full facilities, 10-minute drive from the trailhead
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys near Loch Moraig (check signage)
  • Pitlochry: Additional amenities and overnight options

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Beinn a’Ghlo Circuit via Carn Liath and Carn nan Gabhar
Distance: Approximately 20 km round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 1,200 metres
Terrain: Heather slopes, quartzite scree, broad ridges
Time Estimate: 6 to 8 hours

Navigation Notes

  • Ridge is exposed and undulating; a map, compass, or GPS is recommended
  • Often climbed as part of a three-Munro day
  • Summit is grassy with a cairn; visibility can drop quickly

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Loch Moraig car park allows daytime campervan access
  • Blair Atholl offers overflow options and amenities

Overnight Options

  • Blair Atholl Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking may be possible in designated laybys (check signage)
  • No overnighting permitted at Loch Moraig trailhead

Fuel and Supplies

  • Blair Atholl: Fuel station, shop, café
  • Nearest large supermarket: Pitlochry

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain” translates to “upland of the corrie of the round blisters”
  • Summit features: Cairn with views across Glen Tilt, Beinn a’Ghlo, and the Cairngorm fringe
  • Known for: Central prominence, circuit potential, and poetic terrain
  • Popular with: Circuit walkers, legacy stewards, and those seeking a full Beinn a’Ghlo traverse

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 66 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain, linked it with Carn Liath or Carn nan Gabhar, or found a reliable 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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