The Munros of the Monadhliath mountains
A strenuous walk (mountain (above 600m)) in Highland, Scotland, about 24.60km (15.29 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 9:15h (1 overnight stay). It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
697m (2286ft)
Descent
688m (2257ft)
Max. Elevation
930m (3051ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
1385m (4543ft)
Start & End
Newtonmore
Distance
24.60km
(15.29mi)
(15.29mi)
Duration
~9:15h
Difficulty
Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Map
If you've travelled through the Cairngorms by train, then you've already seen the Monadh Liath hills (you will have if you went by car, too, but we don't talk about that on this website). They tower over the towns of Newtonmore and Kingussie, and are easily reached from Newtonmore Station. The route includes three Munros - Carn Dearg, Carn Sgulain and A' Chailleach - but once you have gained the height, the drops in between are not too bad.
Walk Functions
Share
Nearby Walks
A Cairngorms Spectacular
A hard, linear walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Highland, Scotland, about 53.20km (33.06 mi) long, duration: ~19:00h.Creag Bheag - the little crag
A leisurely, circular walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Highland, Scotland, about 4.20km (2.61 mi) long, duration: ~1:45h.Ben Alder
A hard, circular walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Highland, Scotland, about 44.70km (27.78 mi) long, duration: ~15:30h.Walk Map
- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid NN716985
At Newtonmore, head through the village from the station. Across the A86, head along Glen Road, which follows the line of the River Calder towards Shepherd's Bridge.
OS Grid NN696998
At Shepherd's Bridge, a footpath heads north towards A'Chailleach. A bridge crosses the Allt a' Chaorain and heads up the steep slope of the mountain.
About 2.32 km (~1.44 miles) from 
OS Grid NH681040
The ground is rough going, and you'll be pleased to reach the first summit of the day - A' Chailleach, 930m.
About 4.39 km (~2.73 miles) from 
OS Grid NH683058
Head across Allt Cuil na Caillach, which runs between A' Chailleach and the second Munro, Carn Sgulain (920m). Fence posts lead you to the summit, which can be handy when the cloud has dropped.
About 1.79 km (~1.11 miles) from 
OS Grid NH641042
The posts follow the route of the ridge, via Meall a' Bothain and Meall na Creughaich to Carn Ballach.
About 4.39 km (~2.73 miles) from 
OS Grid NH635023
Continue past Lochan Uisge to the day's final Munro, Carn Dearg, which reaches 945m - the highest point of the day.Take the ridge heading south and before you reach Carn Macoul, drop down the western slope towards the Allt Ballach valley.
About 2.06 km (~1.28 miles) from 
OS Grid NN652997
Keep losing height until you meet the path running through Glen Banchor, on the northern side of the river.
About 3.10 km (~1.93 miles) from 
OS Grid NN695996
Retrace your steps to Shepherd's Bridge ...
About 4.29 km (~2.67 miles) from 
And back to NewtonmoreOS Grid NN713985
... and back into Newtonmore.
About 2.10 km (~1.3 miles) from 
