Broad Cairn
998m
Angus Glens
“Broad Cairn”
998mHeight
15.2kmRound trip
5.3–6.9hWalk time
EasyDifficulty 1/5
Photo: GeographBot · CC BY-SA 2.0
Overview
About this Munro
Broad Cairn is a 998m Munro in the Angus Glens region, its Gaelic name meaning “broad cairn”. It stands 147th of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Broad Cairn from Glen Clova — is a 15.2km round trip taking 5.3–6.9 hours, rated easy (1/5).
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Routes & Navigation
There is 1 route to the summit of Broad Cairn, covering 15.2km.
Route preview
Broad Cairn from Glen Clova
Easy5.3–6.9h round trip15.2km distance↑798m ascent
Bog ratingSlight
ParkingGlen Clova Car Park
Step-by-step guideIn the app
Climbing Broad Cairn
Broad Cairn offers one of the more accessible Munro experiences in the Angus Glens, with the route from Glen Clova…
Climbing Broad Cairn
Broad Cairn offers one of the more accessible Munro experiences in the Angus Glens, with the route from Glen Clova…
Broad Cairn offers one of the more accessible Munro experiences in the Angus Glens, with the route from Glen Clova covering a manageable 15.2km over 5-7 hours. The 1/5 difficulty rating reflects well-established paths and straightforward terrain, making this an excellent choice for those developing their Munro-bagging skills or looking for a less technical mountain day.
The ascent of Broad Cairn follows good paths initially through Glen Clova before climbing onto the plateau where the mountain sits. You'll find the gradient steady rather than punishing, with the generally dry underfoot conditions noted in the 2/5 bog rating making for pleasant walking.
The final approach to the 998m summit involves crossing plateau-like terrain typical of the eastern Cairngorms, where Broad Cairn's position becomes clear as you traverse this elevated landscape.
Best Time to Climb Broad Cairn
The moderate 5-7 hour duration means Broad Cairn can be climbed across a longer season than more committing Munros, from…
Best Time to Climb Broad Cairn
The moderate 5-7 hour duration means Broad Cairn can be climbed across a longer season than more committing Munros, from…
The moderate 5-7 hour duration means Broad Cairn can be climbed across a longer season than more committing Munros, from April through October when daylight is adequate. The straightforward nature of the route makes it suitable for the shorter days of spring and autumn, though you should still allow margin for the unexpected.
The Angus Glens sit in the eastern Cairngorms rain shadow, receiving less precipitation than western ranges, and Broad Cairn benefits from this drier climate. However, at 998m the summit still experiences typical Scottish mountain weather—cloud, wind, and rain can arrive rapidly. Summer offers the most reliable conditions, while winter transforms this into a different proposition requiring ice axe and crampons.
The plateau terrain can be particularly challenging to navigate in winter whiteout conditions.
Getting to Broad Cairn
Broad Cairn is accessed from Glen Clova Car Park, located at the head of this beautiful Angus glen. The car park is…
Getting to Broad Cairn
Broad Cairn is accessed from Glen Clova Car Park, located at the head of this beautiful Angus glen. The car park is…
Broad Cairn is accessed from Glen Clova Car Park, located at the head of this beautiful Angus glen. The car park is reached via the B955 from Kirriemuir, following the glen road through increasingly dramatic scenery. The road is single-track in its upper reaches but well-maintained and suitable for all vehicles.
Glen Clova Car Park offers good facilities and adequate parking, though it can fill on summer weekends as it serves multiple popular routes. The village of Clova has a hotel and basic amenities. The glen is easily accessed from Dundee and the central belt via the A90 and A928, making this one of the more accessible Munro areas for those based in eastern Scotland.
Broad Cairn Summit
The summit of Broad Cairn at 998m lives up to its name, presenting a broad, plateau-like top rather than a dramatic…
Broad Cairn Summit
The summit of Broad Cairn at 998m lives up to its name, presenting a broad, plateau-like top rather than a dramatic…
The summit of Broad Cairn at 998m lives up to its name, presenting a broad, plateau-like top rather than a dramatic rocky peak. You'll find a substantial cairn marking the highest point amid terrain of scattered boulders and short alpine vegetation.
The summit provides limited shelter, being exposed to winds crossing the plateau, though you can usually find some protection among the rocks for a lunch stop. Views from Broad Cairn extend across the White Mounth plateau to neighboring peaks and down into the deep glens that carve through the Angus Glens.
The character of the summit is gentle rather than dramatic, reflecting the ancient, eroded nature of these mountains, but the sense of space and elevation is still impressive on clear days.
Wildlife on Broad Cairn
Glen Clova is renowned for its natural beauty, and your approach to Broad Cairn showcases the Angus Glens' rich ecology.…
Wildlife on Broad Cairn
Glen Clova is renowned for its natural beauty, and your approach to Broad Cairn showcases the Angus Glens' rich ecology.…
Glen Clova is renowned for its natural beauty, and your approach to Broad Cairn showcases the Angus Glens' rich ecology. The lower glen supports mixed woodland with birch, rowan, and willow where red deer feed, and bird life is abundant—look for ring ouzels, wheatears, and meadow pipits in summer.
As you climb onto the plateau approaching Broad Cairn, you'll pass through heather moorland giving way to montane grassland and eventually the alpine heath of the summit plateau. The eastern Cairngorms' drier climate supports different vegetation from wetter western ranges, with bearberry and crowberry common. Red grouse inhabit the moorland, while ptarmigan may be encountered on the higher ground. Mountain hares are present, their coats white in winter.
Golden eagles patrol these glens, and you might spot them soaring on thermals, while ravens are common around the higher crags.
Broad Cairn Tips
The 1/5 difficulty rating makes Broad Cairn accessible to hillwalkers with reasonable fitness and basic mountain skills,…
Broad Cairn Tips
The 1/5 difficulty rating makes Broad Cairn accessible to hillwalkers with reasonable fitness and basic mountain skills,…
The 1/5 difficulty rating makes Broad Cairn accessible to hillwalkers with reasonable fitness and basic mountain skills, but don't let this lead to complacency. You still need proper mountain equipment including waterproofs, warm layers, map, compass, and the skills to use them. The 2/5 bog rating means conditions are generally good, but waterproof boots remain advisable.
Navigation on the plateau can be challenging in cloud or poor visibility, as the featureless terrain offers few obvious landmarks—practice your compass work before you need it in anger. Carry adequate water and food for the 5-7 hour day. Weather at 998m can be significantly worse than in the glen, so check the forecast and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate. Mobile phone signal is unreliable on the mountain.
The straightforward nature of Broad Cairn makes it an excellent training ground for developing the skills you'll need on more demanding Munros.
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Nearby Munros in Angus Glens
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Broad Cairn.
How tall is Broad Cairn?
Broad Cairn stands at 998 metres (3,274 feet), making it the 147th tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
What does Broad Cairn mean in Gaelic?
The name Broad Cairn translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Broad Cairn”.
How long does it take to climb Broad Cairn?
Climbing Broad Cairn typically takes between 5.3 and 6.9 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen.
Where do I park for Broad Cairn?
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Broad Cairn, in the Angus Glens area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.
How difficult is Broad Cairn to climb?
Broad Cairn is rated Easy (difficulty 1/5).
What is the best route up Broad Cairn?
The most popular route up Broad Cairn covers 15.2km, 5.3–6.9 hours round trip.
Is Broad Cairn good for beginners?
Broad Cairn is an excellent choice for beginners in the Angus Glens area. Rated difficulty 1/5 at 998m, it has well-marked paths and straightforward terrain — a great first Munro.
What region is Broad Cairn in?
Broad Cairn is in the Angus Glens region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include Driesh, Mayar, Mount Keen.