The Glenshee area of Scotland is popular with Munro baggers and for good reason. There many Munros – Scottish mountains of at least 3000ft (914m) stature – and there is a favourable higher elevation starting point. The start and finish point of the Glenshee nine Munros is at Glenshee Ski Centre car park at an elevation of 650m (2132ft).
Several of the “easiest” Munros are situated in Glenshee. They are considered easier because of the relative lack of height gain required to reach the summit, as well as the well-trodden paths to the top. It’s important to note, however, that all mountains in Scotland can be hazardous if you are inexperienced, especially because weather conditions can be challenging.
Glenshee nine Munros
The nine Glenshee Munros include Creag Leacach (988m), Glas Maol (1068m), Cairn of Claise (1064m), Tom Buidhe (957m), Tolmount (958m), Carn an Tuirc (1019 m), Carn Aosda (915m), Carn a’ Gheoidh (975m) and The Cairnwell (933m).
There are a few Munro Tops on this route, including Meall Odhar , Creag Leacach SW Top, Little Glas Maol, and Druim Mor (961m). You need to take care to reach all these MTs to bag them. Meall Odhar is en route and you will head over this at the start of the circuit.
Creag Leacach SW Top is an extension of the Munro Creag Leacach to the south-west. It’s not far but you do need to make the out and back route to reach the summit.
Little Glas Maol is also a detour from Glas Maol to the south east. Druim Mor is the longest Munro Top detour and is reach to the south-east between Glas Maol and Cairn of Claise. Obviously, these extra MTs are for the enthusiast!
I enjoyed a return to this area to complete the big loop anti-clockwise with friends Rachel, Cath, Selina and Geraldine. Our total was 38km and 2000m of ascent (we didn’t go to all the MTs this time – see Strava).
For the full 9 Munros and 4 Munro Tops, see this route on OS Maps.
A summary of the day: Tons of good chat, many great trods, some rough terrain that requires navigation and no rain whatsoever. There is a sting in the tail to reach the final three Munros because the route descends back to the road over the Glenshee pass and then requires a steep up.
The penultimate Munro, on tired legs, feels like it will never come and then you need to retrace your steps to reach the final Munro. The run back down to the car park feels joyful in comparison.
- There is a Glenshee 9 hill race that takes place this year and every two years.