Beinn Mheadhoin

Beinn Mheadhoin
Banffshire
Beinn Mheadhoin from the summit of Derry Cairngorm
Range:	Cairngorms
Summit:	3,878 feet NJ024017

Beinn Mheadhoin is a mountain in Banffshire, in the Cairngorms; one of the 18 Munros in the Cairngorms. By most counts, Beinn Mheadhoin is the tenth-highest mountain in the United Kingdom. It lies in the very heart of the Cairngorms, and is one of the most remote hills in the region.

The summit is broad and flat. It is noted for its summit tors; large boulders left by retreating ice sheets at the end of the last ice age. The highest point of the hill is in fact the top of one of the largest tors, and an easy scramble is required to reach it.

Ascent

Due to the remoteness of the mountain, it is necessary to climb over the main Cairn Gorm plateau in order to ascend Beinn Mheadhoin. The shortest route of ascent is from the Coire Cas car park at the foot of the Cairn Gorm ski area, initially heading for the ridge of Fiacaill a' Choire Chais. From the head of the ridge the walker then descends to Loch Avon by way of Coire Raibert. The route then goes round the head of the loch, passing the famous Shelter Stone, before rising again to reach Loch Etchachan. From here the route heads northeast onto the summit ridge. This route is about 13 miles long, with 4,590 feet of ascent required.

Beinn Mheadhoin may also be climbed from the south, by way of Glen Derry. This route is much longer, though a bicycle can be used on the track to shorten the time taken. An ascent from this direction could conceivably be combined with an ascent of Derry Cairngorm.