Cairn o' Mount

Hill, Mountain in Kincardineshire

Scotland

Cairn o' Mount

Path and Gate A Gate with path leading to Grouse Butts by the Stag Burn. — Path and Gate Credit: Andrew Wood

Cairn o' Mount is a prominent hill located in Kincardineshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of 455 meters (1,493 feet), it is one of the highest points in the area and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is situated on the B974 road, which connects the towns of Fettercairn and Banchory.

The name "Cairn o' Mount" refers to the ancient cairn, or burial mound, that sits at the summit of the hill. This cairn is believed to date back to the Bronze Age, making it a significant archaeological site. It is a popular destination for hikers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

The road leading up to Cairn o' Mount is known for its challenging twists and turns, making it a favorite among motorcyclists and cyclists seeking an adrenaline rush. However, caution is advised due to the narrow and steep nature of the road.

The area surrounding Cairn o' Mount is rich in natural beauty, with heather-covered moorlands, scattered woodlands, and picturesque glens. Wildlife such as deer, birds of prey, and various species of wildflowers can often be spotted in the vicinity.

Cairn o' Mount is also steeped in folklore and legends. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman named Molly Rankin, who was murdered on the hill in the 17th century. Her spirit is rumored to appear on stormy nights, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to the area.

Overall, Cairn o' Mount is a captivating destination that offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and adventure, making it a must-visit location in Kincardineshire.

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Cairn o' Mount Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.915501/-2.5793673 or Grid Reference NO6480. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Path and Gate

A Gate with path leading to Grouse Butts by the Stag Burn.

Andrew Wood

View from Cairn o' Mount

With a very distant view towards the sea. It was hard to tell: the exposed location was so windy it was hard to stand upright.

Carron K

Triangulation Pillar

Trig Pillar #38 Kilcram with Clachnaben summit behind

Liz Gray

The Cairn of Cairn o Mount

Elliott Simpson

Cairn o' Mount Summit

At 454 metres amsl, this pass between Fettercairn and Strachan is often blocked by snow - note the snow pole in foreground. The view here is southwards, down to Clatterin' Brig and Kincardineshire. Link

Colin Smith

Burnt heather at Cairn o' Mount

Mike Pennington

View from the Cairn o' Mount

Looking towards Glensaugh and Clatterin' Brig.

Mike Pennington

View inland from Cairn o' Mount

Low cloud hangs on Mount Keen on the right and Lochnagar is just visible on the far left.

Mike Pennington

View to Clachnaben from Cairn o' Mount

Mike Pennington

The Cairn o' Mount

Mike Pennington

Heather moorland of Kircram

Kircram rises to 404m, or perhaps 405m - OS mapping at the 1:25 000 scale gives both numbers, and is easily accessed from the B974; there's a trig point at the summit. The view beyond the foreground heather is over ground east of Glen Dye to Kerloch, which is the central, skyline hill dome.

Trevor Littlewood

Snow fences by the Cairn o' Mount road

The chestnut paling fences are intended to catch wind-driven snow and stop it from drifting over the road (out of shot on the right), but the road typically still gets blocked quite regularly in the winter in this high and exposed location. Clachnaben and Mount Shade are the two most prominent hills in the background, with Bennachie in the far distance.

Alan O'Dowd