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Coire na Còinnich

Corrie (Glacial Valley) in Banffshire

Scotland

Coire na Còinnich

Avalanche debris below rock slabs The slabs are above a location named as The Saddle. It seems clear that deep snow lying on the angled slabs fractured and slid down in a modest-sized avalanche. Liz Gray has an image of the slabs without any snow at all - <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3175394" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3175394">Link</a> .
Avalanche debris below rock slabs Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Coire na Còinnich is a picturesque glacial valley located in the region of Banffshire, Scotland. Nestled amidst the scenic Cairngorms National Park, this stunning corrie (or cirque) is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The valley is situated on the eastern side of the Cairngorm Mountains, and its name translates to "Valley of the Moss" in Gaelic. It is characterized by its steep, U-shaped walls, which were carved out by glaciers during the last Ice Age. The rugged terrain and dramatic landscape make it a captivating sight for visitors.

Coire na Còinnich is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including mountain hares, ptarmigans, and rare alpine plants. The valley is also traversed by a crystal-clear stream, which adds to its natural beauty.

Hikers can explore the corrie by following well-marked trails that lead up the valley and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. One of the most popular routes is the path that ascends to the summit of Cairn Gorm, the sixth highest mountain in Scotland. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the corrie and its surrounding area.

Due to its remote location and rugged terrain, Coire na Còinnich is best suited for experienced hikers and those with a good level of fitness. It is advisable to check weather conditions and be prepared with appropriate clothing and equipment before embarking on a hike in this area.

Overall, Coire na Còinnich is a stunning glacial valley that offers a true taste of the Scottish Highlands. Its breathtaking scenery and challenging trails make it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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Coire na Còinnich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.115416/-3.5969237 or Grid Reference NJ0303. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Avalanche debris below rock slabs The slabs are above a location named as The Saddle. It seems clear that deep snow lying on the angled slabs fractured and slid down in a modest-sized avalanche. Liz Gray has an image of the slabs without any snow at all - <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3175394" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3175394">Link</a> .
Avalanche debris below rock slabs
The slabs are above a location named as The Saddle. It seems clear that deep snow lying on the angled slabs fractured and slid down in a modest-sized avalanche. Liz Gray has an image of the slabs without any snow at all - Link .
Rocks on south-west shoulder of A' Chòinneach The rough rockiness of the level stretch of the south-west ridge of A' Chòinneach at around 970 metres. A' Chòinneach is a subsidiary top of Bynack More. There's a temperature inversion in the glen to the west beyond which are the peaks, Cairn Gorm and Cnap Coire na Spreidhe.
Rocks on south-west shoulder of A' Chòinneach
The rough rockiness of the level stretch of the south-west ridge of A' Chòinneach at around 970 metres. A' Chòinneach is a subsidiary top of Bynack More. There's a temperature inversion in the glen to the west beyond which are the peaks, Cairn Gorm and Cnap Coire na Spreidhe.
Col between A' Chòinneach and Bynack More A mountain walker climbing for A' Chòinneach with the col between it and Bynack More partly obscured by mist. The Little Barns of Bynack are seen in the distance on the south ridge of Bynack More.
Col between A' Chòinneach and Bynack More
A mountain walker climbing for A' Chòinneach with the col between it and Bynack More partly obscured by mist. The Little Barns of Bynack are seen in the distance on the south ridge of Bynack More.
The path to Loch Avon The path from Strath Nethy begins its descent from the Saddle. Carn Etchachan can be seen ahead, with the distinctive Shelter Stone Crag to its right. Slopes descending from Beinn Mheadhoin can be seen on the left.
The path to Loch Avon
The path from Strath Nethy begins its descent from the Saddle. Carn Etchachan can be seen ahead, with the distinctive Shelter Stone Crag to its right. Slopes descending from Beinn Mheadhoin can be seen on the left.
Plateau south west of A' Chòinneach This almost level area is encountered high up on the south west ridge of the mountain. In the distance the crags of Carn Etchachan can be seen, with Ben Macdui rising behind.
Plateau south west of A' Chòinneach
This almost level area is encountered high up on the south west ridge of the mountain. In the distance the crags of Carn Etchachan can be seen, with Ben Macdui rising behind.
The Fords o' Avon
The Fords o' Avon
Patterned ground on A'Choinneach This patterning is caused by wind and frost weakening and removing vegetation, leaving granite gravel patches. The vegetation is mostly crowberry (mat-forming), three-leaved rush (turning brown as it's past summer) and the light green racomitrium moss round the stones on the right. It's all easily damaged by further trampling, grazing,etc, but the prognosis is fair. This used to be a Munro summit, but must receive fewer visits now it's been relieved of that responsibility.
Patterned ground on A'Choinneach
This patterning is caused by wind and frost weakening and removing vegetation, leaving granite gravel patches. The vegetation is mostly crowberry (mat-forming), three-leaved rush (turning brown as it's past summer) and the light green racomitrium moss round the stones on the right. It's all easily damaged by further trampling, grazing,etc, but the prognosis is fair. This used to be a Munro summit, but must receive fewer visits now it's been relieved of that responsibility.
Upper slopes of Strath Nethy The best way to see Strath Nethy is from its upper slopes. I know, having walked along its lower slopes! The gentle gradients of the plateau give way first to this relic of a shallow valley, which was probably water-worn, then suddenly to the steep glacially-eroded rock basin of the glen itself. The close proximity of these different erosion types in the Cairngorms have given rise to a proposal from the UK governemnt that it be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upper slopes of Strath Nethy
The best way to see Strath Nethy is from its upper slopes. I know, having walked along its lower slopes! The gentle gradients of the plateau give way first to this relic of a shallow valley, which was probably water-worn, then suddenly to the steep glacially-eroded rock basin of the glen itself. The close proximity of these different erosion types in the Cairngorms have given rise to a proposal from the UK governemnt that it be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upper Strath Nethy Strath Nethy is a glacially enlarged valley based on a former water-cut valley, but subsequently its upper end was over-run by active ice moving across it at about 45 degrees to its course. The headwaters of the Nethy have therefore been captured by the Avon, visible beyond as Loch Avon. Some divergent ice would still have funnelled down Strath Nethy, and rocks would have fallen on it from the crags opposite, then to be deposited in blocky moraines in the valley floor. The moraines and the generally poor drainage (visible in the middle distance) make this the roughest path in the Cairngorms, in my opinion. The mountain in the centre is Cairn Gorm and on the far skyline is Ben Macdui, North top.
Upper Strath Nethy
Strath Nethy is a glacially enlarged valley based on a former water-cut valley, but subsequently its upper end was over-run by active ice moving across it at about 45 degrees to its course. The headwaters of the Nethy have therefore been captured by the Avon, visible beyond as Loch Avon. Some divergent ice would still have funnelled down Strath Nethy, and rocks would have fallen on it from the crags opposite, then to be deposited in blocky moraines in the valley floor. The moraines and the generally poor drainage (visible in the middle distance) make this the roughest path in the Cairngorms, in my opinion. The mountain in the centre is Cairn Gorm and on the far skyline is Ben Macdui, North top.
North-eastern slopes of Beinn Mheadhoin Looking towards the big convex slopes of Bynack More
North-eastern slopes of Beinn Mheadhoin
Looking towards the big convex slopes of Bynack More
Cairngorm Erratic Erratic above Loch Avon/Loch A'an
Cairngorm Erratic
Erratic above Loch Avon/Loch A'an
The Saddle cliff An exposed rocky patch near to the path from Cairngorm to Bynack More via The Saddle
The Saddle cliff
An exposed rocky patch near to the path from Cairngorm to Bynack More via The Saddle
Ford of Avon & Refuge The stepping stones across the river Avon are somewhere beneath 2m+ of snow
Ford of Avon & Refuge
The stepping stones across the river Avon are somewhere beneath 2m+ of snow
Beinn Mheadhoin and Loch Avon from the SW spur of Creag Mhor of
Beinn Mheadhoin and Loch Avon from the SW spur of Creag Mhor of
River Avon, Cairngorms
River Avon, Cairngorms
Loch Avon, Cairngorms
Loch Avon, Cairngorms
Loch Avon, Cairngorms
Loch Avon, Cairngorms
A trio of ptarmigan south of the Barns of Bynack Three ptarmigan perch on exposed rocks to the south of the Barns of Bynack on Bynack More.
A trio of ptarmigan south of the Barns of Bynack
Three ptarmigan perch on exposed rocks to the south of the Barns of Bynack on Bynack More.
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Coire na Còinnich is located at Grid Ref: NJ0303 (Lat: 57.115416, Lng: -3.5969237)

Unitary Authority: Moray

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///sprayer.mountains.bills. Near Inverey, Aberdeenshire

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Coire na Còinnich

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