Braemar to Spittal of Glenshee — Cairnwell Pass Road via Glen Clunie
Britain's highest public road — bring winter tyres in October.
The Cairnwell Pass on the A93 between Braemar and the Spittal of Glenshee holds the distinction of being the highest public through-road in Great Britain, cresting at 670 metres on the shoulder of Cairnwell mountain. The route south from Braemar follows the Water of Clunie through Glen Clunie — a broad, treeless valley that opens up fast and stays open, giving you long sight lines across heather moorland and granite ridgelines that look painted. The Cairnwell ski area sits right on the summit and the road swings past the chairlift base before dropping into Glenshee on the Perthshire side. In winter this road closes with hard snowfall and reopens with ice — it’s a different beast entirely from the benign summer run.
In dry summer conditions this is a straightforward high-clearance scenic drive — stock 4WDs and capable AWD wagons handle it without drama. Winter is another conversation entirely: proper 4WD with winter tyres or chains, avalanche awareness, and a respect for the forecast. Scottish weather changes faster than the forecast promises. No permit required. Fuel at Braemar or Blairgowrie south of the pass. Best season is June through September for clear roads; October for the deer rut and empty tarmac. Cell service is reasonable on the summits, gone in the glen bottoms. Run this one at dawn before the skiers and tourist coaches take over.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Tarmac |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 20 mi / 32.2 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2198 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD summer — 4WD with winter tyres off-season |
| Nearest town | Braemar, Scotland |
| Land manager | Transport Scotland / Cairngorms National Park Authority |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | cairngorms.co.uk |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a standard 2WD car handle this route, or do I actually need 4WD?
In summer on dry tarmac and compacted gravel, a high-clearance 2WD manages fine. From October onward, snow and ice make 4WD with winter tyres necessary — this is Britain's highest public road and it gets nasty fast.
When does the Cairnwell Pass road typically close or become dangerous in winter?
There's no fixed closure — the A93 stays officially open, but Transport Scotland will gate it during severe snowfall or whiteout conditions. Snow can hit as early as October and linger into April; check Traffic Scotland live updates before you go.
Do I need any permits or fees to drive this route?
No permits required. It's a public road through Cairngorms National Park — no entry fee, no booking. The national park designation affects land use around the road, not driving it.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The summit plateau near Cairnwell at 670 metres is the exposed crux — in poor visibility or crosswinds it can feel serious, but the road surface itself is straightforward. The challenge is weather, not terrain; the gradient is steady and there are no technical obstacles.
Is there anywhere to get fuel or supplies between Braemar and Spittal of Glenshee?
No. There are zero fuel stops, shops, or services on the 20-mile run between the two. Fill up in Braemar before you leave and carry water — the Spittal of Glenshee hotel is at the south end but don't count on it being open outside peak season.
Trail track
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