Coire na Ciche

Corrie (Glacial Valley) in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Coire na Ciche

Snow patches in Ear-choire Sneachdach, Beinn a' Bhuird Patches of snow usually linger in Ear-choire Sneachdach ('the east snowy corrie') well into summer or, occasionally, autumn. Climate change has led to a trend towards reduction in snow at this site and an earlier melt date, and there was noticeably less snow here on this day than when I passed by a week earlier.

The longest of the patches has traditionally been nicknamed the Laird's Tablecloth.
Snow patches in Ear-choire Sneachdach, Beinn a' Bhuird Credit: Alan O'Dowd

Coire na Ciche, also known as Corrie, is a glacial valley located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Situated in the eastern part of the Cairngorms National Park, it offers stunning natural beauty and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The valley is characterized by its U-shaped profile, a typical feature of glacially-carved landscapes. It stretches for approximately 4 miles and is surrounded by steep slopes and rocky cliffs, providing a dramatic backdrop to the scenery. The valley floor is covered in lush vegetation, including heather, grasses, and various species of wildflowers.

Coire na Ciche is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and ptarmigan. The area is also known for its numerous small lochs and streams, which add to its charm and provide habitats for various aquatic species.

Hiking is a popular activity in Coire na Ciche, with several trails leading through the valley and up to the surrounding peaks. One of the most well-known routes is the path that ascends to the summit of Ben Macdui, the second highest mountain in the UK. This challenging hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors to Coire na Ciche should come prepared with appropriate outdoor gear, as the weather in the area can be unpredictable and change rapidly. It is advisable to check weather conditions and pack essential items such as sturdy footwear, warm clothing, and a map or compass.

Overall, Coire na Ciche is a picturesque glacial valley in Aberdeenshire, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and experience the wonders of nature.

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Coire na Ciche Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.067706/-3.4876334 or Grid Reference NO0998. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Snow patches in Ear-choire Sneachdach, Beinn a' Bhuird Patches of snow usually linger in Ear-choire Sneachdach ('the east snowy corrie') well into summer or, occasionally, autumn. Climate change has led to a trend towards reduction in snow at this site and an earlier melt date, and there was noticeably less snow here on this day than when I passed by a week earlier.

The longest of the patches has traditionally been nicknamed the Laird's Tablecloth.
Snow patches in Ear-choire Sneachdach, Beinn a' Bhuird
Patches of snow usually linger in Ear-choire Sneachdach ('the east snowy corrie') well into summer or, occasionally, autumn. Climate change has led to a trend towards reduction in snow at this site and an earlier melt date, and there was noticeably less snow here on this day than when I passed by a week earlier. The longest of the patches has traditionally been nicknamed the Laird's Tablecloth.
Snow patches in Ear-choire Sneachdach, Beinn a' Bhuird Ear-choire Sneachdach means the 'east snowy corrie'. The longest patch is known as the Laird's Tablecloth, and usually lasts well into summer (or occasionally autumn).
Snow patches in Ear-choire Sneachdach, Beinn a' Bhuird
Ear-choire Sneachdach means the 'east snowy corrie'. The longest patch is known as the Laird's Tablecloth, and usually lasts well into summer (or occasionally autumn).
Southern slopes of Beinn a' Bhuird
Southern slopes of Beinn a' Bhuird
View west from Beinn a' Bhuird
View west from Beinn a' Bhuird
Beinn a' Bhuird Snow patches in Coire Gorm on the southern side of the hill.  The summit is a long way north of here, at the other end of a vast plateau.
Beinn a' Bhuird
Snow patches in Coire Gorm on the southern side of the hill. The summit is a long way north of here, at the other end of a vast plateau.
Snow patches in Ear-choire Sneachdach, Beinn a' Bhuird Patches of snow usually linger in Ear-choire Sneachdach ('the east snowy corrie') well into summer or, occasionally, autumn.  Despite limited winter snowfall, a cold and snowy spring and a cool early summer have ensured that a reasonable amount of snow remains at this location in early July 2019.

The longest of the patches has traditionally been nicknamed the Laird's Tablecloth.
Snow patches in Ear-choire Sneachdach, Beinn a' Bhuird
Patches of snow usually linger in Ear-choire Sneachdach ('the east snowy corrie') well into summer or, occasionally, autumn. Despite limited winter snowfall, a cold and snowy spring and a cool early summer have ensured that a reasonable amount of snow remains at this location in early July 2019. The longest of the patches has traditionally been nicknamed the Laird's Tablecloth.
Coire na Clach Looking past the Dividing Buttress to the frozen Dubh Lochan.
Coire na Clach
Looking past the Dividing Buttress to the frozen Dubh Lochan.
Dubh Lochan of Beinn a'Bhuird Still half-frozen in late May.
Dubh Lochan of Beinn a'Bhuird
Still half-frozen in late May.
High Cairngorms from Beinn a' Bhuird A thin year for snow cover
High Cairngorms from Beinn a' Bhuird
A thin year for snow cover
Plateau of Beinn a' Bhuird Shapely summit of Bynack More beyond
Plateau of Beinn a' Bhuird
Shapely summit of Bynack More beyond
Dubh Lochain Looking over the Dubh Lochain towards Dividing Buttress from the easterly outflow.
Dubh Lochain
Looking over the Dubh Lochain towards Dividing Buttress from the easterly outflow.
Dubh Lochan below A' Chioch
Dubh Lochan below A' Chioch
Dubh Lochan below A' Chioch This composite, if allowed, gives an overall impression of the east side of Beinn A'Bhuird
Dubh Lochan below A' Chioch
This composite, if allowed, gives an overall impression of the east side of Beinn A'Bhuird
Bloodhound Buttress My first introduction to the Cairngorms was in 1959 and I took this picture with my trusty old Kodak box camera.
Bloodhound Buttress
My first introduction to the Cairngorms was in 1959 and I took this picture with my trusty old Kodak box camera.
The corries of Beinn a' Bhuird The sweep of E-facing corries seen from spot height 795m on the E side of Glen Callater. Much of the skyline in view here is above 1100m.
The corries of Beinn a' Bhuird
The sweep of E-facing corries seen from spot height 795m on the E side of Glen Callater. Much of the skyline in view here is above 1100m.
Late-lying snowfield on Beinn a' Bhuird The track ascending from An Diollaid can be seen on the right of the photo
Late-lying snowfield on Beinn a' Bhuird
The track ascending from An Diollaid can be seen on the right of the photo
Beinn a' Bhuird The southern end of the vast Beinn a' Bhuird with a sunlit Coire na Ciche.
Beinn a' Bhuird
The southern end of the vast Beinn a' Bhuird with a sunlit Coire na Ciche.
Beinn a' Bhuird South Top Looking towards Bloodhound Buttress
Beinn a' Bhuird South Top
Looking towards Bloodhound Buttress
Show me another place!

Coire na Ciche is located at Grid Ref: NO0998 (Lat: 57.067706, Lng: -3.4876334)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///revealing.orbited.from. Near Inverey, Aberdeenshire

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