Braeriach

With its dramatic ridges and awe-inspiring views, Scotland's third-highest peak beckons

- ROBERT WIGHT

THE Cairngorms are divided into three sections by two passes.

The eastern Munros of Ben Avon and Beinn a' Bhuiridh are separated from the central Cairngorms by the Lairig an Laoigh. Braeriach dominates the western portion, across the divide of the Lairig Ghru. It's a huge mountain and not reached easily - the shortest approach is a hike of more than 10km (6.2 miles). But like most things that are a wee bit more difficult, the rewards are all the sweeter.

Walking here is an experience unique in the UK.

Walks in are long, the routes never hugely steep, and it feels like you're gradually leaving your everyday world behind to enter a place where nature reigns supreme.

Braeriach summit is the highest point of the western plateau, tucked in its northeast corner. West and south of the main summit, several tops rise gently from the undulating plateau, none of them under 1,200m (3,937ft).

On all sides except the south, huge corries are scooped from the mountain. Traversing the rim of the eastern corries to Sgor an Lochan Uaine and Cairn Toul is a wonderful high-level outing.