Creagan a' Chaise

Overview

Creagan a' Chaise (722 m) is a broad, heather-clad hill in the northern reaches of the park, best known for the Jubilee Cairn on its summit. It’s the kind of outing you pick for space and sky: long horizons, big weather, and a pleasing sense of solitude.

What You'll See

Expect open moorland and a gently rounded summit crowned by the Jubilee Cairn (built to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897) and a trig point. On a clear day the views stretch across the Ladder Hills and Glenlivet, with Ben Rinnes standing proud and distant glimpses toward the Moray Firth.

Wildlife

Keep an eye and ear out for red grouse, skylark, meadow pipit and curlew. Buzzards and, at times, hen harriers patrol the moor. Roe deer and the occasional mountain hare add to the chance encounters, especially in quieter hours. Summer heather and bilberry bring in bees and butterflies.

Getting There & Route Notes

Walkers typically gain the summit via estate tracks and paths from nearby villages in the Glenlivet/Tomintoul area or from the Cromdale side. The tracks are generally obvious in good visibility, but the plateau can feel samey in clag—map and compass (or GPS) are strongly advised.

Conditions & What to Expect

It’s an exposed hill: wind bites even in summer and there’s little shelter beyond the lee of the cairn. Expect wet, boggy sections after rain. As with much of the moorland here, ticks are common in the warmer months—dress and check accordingly.

Facilities

There are no facilities on the hill—no toilets, water, or shelter. Plan to be fully self-sufficient. Nearby services are in local villages such as Tomintoul or Grantown-on-Spey. The park’s official interactive map does not list on-site amenities here, so don’t rely on finding any.

Best Time to Visit

Pick a clear, settled day for the long views this hill is all about. Crowds aren’t really a thing here; weekends are fine. For photography, early or late light skims the moorland nicely—midday can feel flat. In poor weather, save it for another day; the summit can sit in cloud and navigation gets dull fast.