About Beinn a' Bhuird

Beinn a' Bhuird has a massive plateau summit with huge granite cliffs on its northern face. It's one of the remotest Munros, requiring a long approach.

Height & Prominence of Beinn a' Bhuird

Beinn a' Bhuird stands at 1197 metres (3927 feet) above sea level, according to Ordnance Survey data. Its topographic prominence is 487 metres, meaning it rises at least that far above the col connecting it to the nearest higher peak. Beinn a' Bhuird is part of the Cairngorms. The OS grid reference is NJ 093006, which you can use to locate the summit on any Ordnance Survey Explorer or Landranger map.

Beinn a' Bhuird carries the classifications of Munro, Marilyn. As a Munro, it is one of Scotland's 282 summits over 3,000 ft (914.4 m), as originally catalogued by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891.

Location & Nearest Towns

Beinn a' Bhuird is located in Scotland, Aberdeenshire, within Cairngorms National Park. It sits in the Cairngorms area.

For official access information and any seasonal restrictions, check the Cairngorms National Park authority.

Safety Tips

Weather

Always check forecasts before setting out. Summit conditions differ dramatically from valley level.

Equipment

Carry map, compass/GPS, water, food, first aid, whistle, torch, and waterproofs.

Route Planning

Tell someone your route and return time. Stick to marked paths. Be ready to turn back.

Emergency: 999 / 112

Ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Know your grid reference.

On the Mountain: Walking Beinn a' Bhuird

Beinn a' Bhuird is a hard walk that rewards careful planning. The summit sits at 1197m, where conditions can feel distinctly different from the valley — wind speeds are typically 30–50% stronger above 800m, and the temperature drops roughly 1°C for every 100m of ascent. In cloud, the cairn at the top can be hard to spot, so keep a map and compass to hand even on well-marked paths.

After your walk, the nearest village is a good place for a pint and a debrief. For detailed route descriptions and trip reports from other walkers, Walkhighlands is an excellent resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beinn a' Bhuird one of the best mountains to climb in the UK?

Yes, Beinn a' Bhuird is considered one of the best mountains to climb in the UK thanks to its scenic routes, 1197m elevation, and hard difficulty level.

What difficulty level is Beinn a' Bhuird?

Beinn a' Bhuird has a difficulty rating of Hard. Various routes are available for different experience levels.

When is the best time to climb Beinn a' Bhuird?

The best season is Spring to Autumn. Summit temperatures are typically 5–10°C colder than the valley, and conditions can change rapidly.

Why Visit Beinn a' Bhuird?

Beinn a' Bhuird stands at 1197m (3927ft) in Scotland, Aberdeenshire. Classified as a Munro and Marilyn, it is a rewarding destination for hikers, climbers, and photographers.

Browse our UK mountains directory to discover more peaks, or see all mountains A–Z.

Nearby Peaks to Explore

Looking beyond Beinn a' Bhuird? These peaks are close by and worth exploring.