Braeriach
Mountain Cairngorms massif peak; one of Scotland's highest Munros
In the Cairngorms, Braeriach rises above 1,200 metres and ranks among Britain’s highest peaks; walkers and scramblers use its plateaus, steep corries and long ridge routes.
Braeriach is a major mountain in the Cairngorms of northeastern Scotland, reaching an elevation of 1,296 metres. It is one of the highest peaks in the UK and forms part of the extensive high plateau of the Cairngorm massif.
The mountain is sought by hillwalkers and mountaineers for ridge routes, steep northern corries and long summit approaches across open plateaux. Routes range from long, non-technical walks to more demanding winter scrambles and climbs in snow and ice.
Braeriach developed as part of the glaciated Cairngorm landscape, with characteristic corries and cliffs carved by ice during the last glacial periods. It has long been part of Scottish mountaineering and hillwalking traditions.
The mountain sits within the Cairngorms National Park in northeastern Scotland, north of the River Dee and accessible from valley settlements and mountain car parks in the Speyside/Strathspey area.
- Elevation and rank: Summit elevation is 1,296 metres, making it the third-highest mountain in the United Kingdom after Ben Nevis and Ben Macdui.
- Snow persistence: High, plateaulike summit and steep corries commonly retain snow late into the season, attracting mountaineers and winter climbers.
How to Get to Braeriach #
Braeriach sits in the western Cairngorms. Common approaches begin from car parks near Glen Dee or from the Linn of Dee; the nearest sizable towns are Braemar and Aviemore. Access often requires a car or local transport to trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Braeriach #
- Plan for long ridge walks and sudden weather; the Cairngorms are changeable even in summer.
- Consider using a bothy or local hut for multi-day approaches; check conditions with the Mountain Rescue or local ranger service.
- Bring navigation tools - some approaches cross trackless moorland.
Best Time to Visit Braeriach #
Summer for hiking; winter for technical mountaineering with appropriate experience.
Weather & Climate near Braeriach #
Braeriach's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -4°C to 12°C. Heavy rainfall (2424 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (303 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (203 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (231 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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July
July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (207 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (260 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (259 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (266 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
