Braeriach

Braeriach is the third highest mountain in Scotland, rising to 1,296 meters (4,252 feet) with a distinctive crescent-shaped plateau. The summit overlooks multiple corries and deep valleys that carve into the surrounding landscape, creating dramatic elevation changes.

Sir Hugh Munro added this peak to his 1891 catalogue of Scottish mountains exceeding 914 meters (3,000 feet) in elevation. This classification launched a tradition of hillwalkers attempting to climb all such summits in Scotland.

The name Braeriach comes from Scottish Gaelic 'Am Bràigh Riabhach', a word choice that shows the linguistic roots of the Highlands. Walking the slopes, you experience a landscape shaped by centuries of Gaelic-speaking communities who knew these mountains intimately.

The Sugar Bowl car park provides the main access point for reaching the summit via the Chalamain Gap route. Hikers should be prepared for steep terrain and changeable mountain weather with proper clothing and equipment.

Patches of snow persist in the deep northern corries throughout the summer months, a rare occurrence at this latitude. This happens because these sheltered valleys create their own microclimate cold enough to preserve ice when surrounding areas have long since thawed.

Location: Aberdeenshire

Location: Highland

Elevation above the sea: 1,296 m

GPS coordinates: 57.07817,-3.72883

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:53