Braeriach

Braeriach is the highest mountain in the British Isles, only Ben Nevis, and Ben Macdui being higher. It is the highest point in the Cairngorms' western massif, which is separated from the central section (which includes Ben Macdui and Cairn Gorm) by the Lairig Ghru pass. The summit is shaped like a crescent and has several corries. The lingering snows of Braeriach are among Scotland's and, by extension, the British Isles' most persistent snow patches. Only seven times in the last century has the north-facing corrie of Garbh Coire Mor been snow-free: 1933, 1959, 1996, 2003, 2006, 2017, and 2021, though the rate and occurrence of melting appear to be increasing.

The most popular route up Braeriach begins at the Sugar Bowl car park, which is located on the road leading to the Cairn Gorm ski area. A path leads over the hillside to the Chalamain Gap, a steep-sided rocky ravine, before descending around 100 meters to the Lairig Ghru. After passing through this pass, the route continues on to the summit via Braeriach's north ridge, passing by Srn na Lairige, a subsidiary peak. This route takes you about 9 kilometers from the car park to the summit.

Elevation: 1,296m
Location: Cairngorms
Scottish Gaelic name: Am Bràigh Riabhach
Gaelic Meaning: Brindled greyish upper