Munro · Cairngorms
Beinn a' Bhuird (Beinn a' Bhuird North Top)
Beinn a' Bhuird (Beinn a' Bhuird North Top) (1196m) is a prominent mountain in the Cairngorms massif, Britain's highest and most arctic mountain landscape. With 456m of prominence it stands well apart from its neighbours, a genuinely isolated summit that demands a dedicated day. The summit, marked by a cairn, gives views of the vast Cairngorm plateau, Speyside and the Moray Firth. The nearest town is Inverness in Aberdeenshire/Moray.
Gaelic: “mountain, peak” · Pronunciation: bine
Quick facts
- Height
- 1196m/ 3924ft
- Distance
- 19 km
- Ascent
- 1052 m
- Time
- 5.6 hrs
- Difficulty
- 4 / 5Strenuous
- Grid ref
- NJ092006
- Parking
- NJ03320045
- Nearest city
- Inverness
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 19km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 19km with 1052m of total ascent — a long and demanding day. Lower slopes cross ancient Caledonian pine forest and heather moor. Higher up, the terrain changes to granite plateau and boulder fields with arctic-alpine vegetation. Well-maintained paths in popular corries give way to featureless plateau above — compass work is critical in cloud. The summit is marked by a cairn.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Well-maintained paths in popular corries give way to featureless plateau above — compass work is critical in cloud. The hill's high prominence means the approach involves significant re-ascent — there are no easy shortcuts from neighbouring peaks.
In winter
In winter, Beinn a' Bhuird (Beinn a' Bhuird North Top) is a serious proposition. Arctic conditions are possible year-round above 900m. The plateau is one of the most dangerous places in Britain in winter — whiteout, cornices and wind chill below -20°C are regular occurrences. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 4m
- Edinburgh3h 43m
OS maps: OS Landranger 36
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:41
- Sunset
- 20:43
- Civil dawn
- 04:56
- Civil dusk
- 21:28
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026