East Ridge, Beinn a' Chaorainn

Distance
11.5 km
Elevation
950 m
Duration
6h 29m
Location
Highlands
Date
13 February 2026

Driving from Glencoe to Aviemore in mid-February, I was after something that wouldn’t eat the whole day - a route in good winter nick with some Grade I/II interest. Beinn a’ Chaorainn (1049 m) sits right off the A86 between Spean Bridge and Laggan, making it a natural pick for a stop en route. The east ridge is one of the better straightforward winter ridges in the area, and the snow conditions were looking excellent.

Route Map

Route Description

Approach

Starting from the car park off the A86 near Roughburn, the route follows the track south through the forestry plantation before breaking out onto the open hillside. The going is easy at first, climbing gently alongside the burn as the trees thin out.

Crossing the bridge on the approach track
Crossing the bridge on the approach track
The snowy forestry track leading towards the hills
The snowy forestry track leading towards the hills

East Ridge

Above the tree line, the east ridge comes into view - a broad shoulder that narrows as it gains height. In good snow cover the ridge gives enjoyable Grade I terrain, with short steeper steps that feel more involved when icy. The line is obvious and the exposure is modest, but crampons and an axe earn their keep on the firmer snow higher up. Towards the top of the ridge the angle eases and the ground opens out onto the summit plateau.

Looking up at the rocky east ridge with spindrift blowing off the top
Looking up at the rocky east ridge with spindrift blowing off the top
Kicking steps up a steep snow section on the east ridge
Kicking steps up a steep snow section on the east ridge
Looking back down the ridge towards the snow-covered hills beyond
Looking back down the ridge towards the snow-covered hills beyond

Summit and Tops

Beinn a’ Chaorainn has three tops spread along a roughly north–south ridge. The main summit (1049 m) sits in the middle. In clear conditions the views west to the Grey Corries and Ben Nevis are superb. The connecting ridges between the tops are broad and straightforward in winter, though navigation in poor visibility needs care - the plateau is featureless.

Walkers heading towards the ridge with panoramic views of the Highlands
Walkers heading towards the ridge with panoramic views of the Highlands
Looking down from near the summit as walkers pick their way along the ridge
Looking down from near the summit as walkers pick their way along the ridge
On the summit of Beinn a' Chaorainn with the snow-covered plateau stretching out behind
On the summit of Beinn a’ Chaorainn with the snow-covered plateau stretching out behind

Descent

I headed south off of the summit plateau, dropping down the broad south-east slopes towards the valley. The descent is steep at first but straightforward, losing height steadily before the ground eases and curves east back to the forestry road to rejoin the approach track near the start. This makes for a satisfying circular route and avoids the steeper sections of the east ridge on tired legs.

Sunset over the Highlands through the forestry on the descent
Sunset over the Highlands through the forestry on the descent

Notes

  • The A86 layby/car park at Roughburn is the standard starting point and was easy to find.
  • Beinn a’ Chaorainn is well positioned for a day between Glencoe and Aviemore - I was back on the road by late afternoon with plenty of time to reach Aviemore for the evening.
  • The east ridge is a good introduction to Scottish winter ridges - the grade stays at I in straightforward conditions, with sections touching II when the snow is harder or visibility drops.
  • Full winter kit needed: crampons, ice axe, and winter navigation gear. The summit plateau is exposed and featureless in cloud.
  • The route is available on OS Maps.