Beinn a' Bhùird

Summary

Beinn a'Bhùird is the eleventh highest mountain in Britain, a vast high plateau in the eastern Cairngorms. The shortest approach is up Glen Quoich and follows a the former line of a bulldozed track - now restored by the NTS - high onto the mountain. Even this route is a long walk.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good tracks for the approach to the stony plateau. The summit area can be difficult to navigate and is extremely exposed in bad weather. There is one river crossing which would be impossible in spate and requires a wade at most times.

Deer Stalking information

Land west and south of Beinn a'Bhuird, including Glen Quoich approaches, managed by National Trust for Scotland. No stalking issues.

Getting there

Start

Linn of Quoich car park.

Public Transport

No public transport.

Start Grid Ref

NO116909

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 28km / 17.5 miles
Time: 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 959m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Beinn a' Bhùird

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Walk Description

User reports (22)

Stage 1

There is a carpark (charge) on the left at the end of the public road towards the Linn of Quoich, 6km further along the road from the Linn of Dee. The quickest start is to head towards the bridge and almost immediately take the clear path turning sharply left and doubling back to climb up above the carpark into the old pinewoods. Ignore the path off right towards the Linn of Quoich, and then turn right onto the main track to begin the long walk in up Glen Quoich.

Stage 2

Following the main track, continue up the glen. There are many magnificent old Scots pine trees in Glen Quoich, which must rank as amongst the most attractive in the Cairngorms. There is some regeneration in the lower glen but higher up regeneration is still poor. After a few kilometres the Linn of Quoich alternative start soon joins in from a footbridge on the right. Continue along the glen with Beinn a'Bhùird's huge bulk coming into view ahead on the right as the track curves round and passes below a plantation. Beyond this it crosses a small stream and a tiny path goes off left through the Clais Fhearnaig.

Stage 3

Continue on the track to reach the Allt an Dubh-Ghleann. Even in summer this requires a paddle, and it would be quite impossible to cross in high spate - if the water level is high and fast then discretion is the better part of valour. On the far side keep on the main track, heading into the pinewoods below Càrn Allt na Beine. Soon the track now ends - the section of track from here to Beinn a'Bhùird was once one of the ugliest scars in the Highlands - a bull-dozed route visible for many miles around. However in recent years the National Trust for Scotland has done a fantastic job in beginning the restoration of the landscape and has helped the old track be recovered with heather.

Stage 4

The route now continues as a path climbing up above the woods and then across the hillside above. Higher up the new path built by NTS leaves the route of the former track completely when it zigzagged sharp left; continue on the fine new path which cuts across the slopes to eventually reach the ridge at An Diollaid. The shelter marked on maps here is just a roofless windbreak.

Stage 5

Continue up the ridge - this section above the saddle of An Diollaid was once one of the worst parts of the scar, though the exposed location means it is taking longer for the vegetation to recolonise. The slopes soon broaden out and the gradient eases; there are great views across to the main Cairngorms, with the tors of Beinn Mheadhoin prominent. Bear right to head up onto the summit plateau of Beinn a'Bhùird.

Stage 6

Excellent navigation is needed here if the weather is poor, but in good conditions you can venture to the edge of the plateau and look down into dramatic Coire an Dubh-Lochain, with its perfect lochan and the sculptured crags of Bloodhound Buttress. The south summit can be reached by a detour of about 700 metres from this point. Otherwise you can either follow the plateau edge towards where it narrows to a point, or take a more direct line to regain the edge above Coire nan Clach.

Stage 7

The summit is set well back from the edge of Coire nan Clach, away from the immediate drama of the precipices but with a grand prospect over endless rolling lower hills to the north, east and south; only to the west does the bulk of the main Cairngorms impinge on the distant horizon. It is possible to continue the walk to take in Ben Avon across the bealach of the Sneck; however, returning to the Linn of Quoich would make this a truly epic day requiring excellent fitness.

Stage 8

Another option is to head to the south summit and the Bruach Mhor before cutting across the moor to regain the track. Finally, returning by the same outward route with its easy going underfoot is the option taken by most walkers, and the fine pinewoods of Glen Quoich make this just as enjoyable as the ascent - it is the route we recommend.

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