It is a Munro with a height of 1,182 metres (3,878 ft) and by some counts it is the twelfth-highest mountain of Great Britain.

The highest point is, in fact, the top of one of the largest tors, and a scramble is required to reach it.

The mountain is remote; the shortest route is to climb over the main Cairn Gorm plateau in order to ascend Beinn Mheadhoin.

The shortest route of ascent is from the Coire Cas car park at the foot of the Cairn Gorm ski area, initially heading for the ridge of Fiacaill a' Choire Chais.

This route is about 20 kilometres (12 mi) in length, with 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) of ascent required.