Munro · Cairngorms
Beinn Bhrotain
Beinn Bhrotain — "the hill of the mastiff" — is the 1157m Munro that forms the southern wall of the Lairig Ghru pass, looking across to Ben Macdui. The summit is a trig pillar on a wide granite plateau dotted with the Cairngorms' distinctive weathered tors and boulder fields. With its near-neighbour Monadh Mor, the hill forms the southern wall of the Lairig Ghru and overlooks the source of the River Eidart and the head of Glen Geusachan. Long approach distances from any road keep this one of the least-visited high Cairngorms.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1157m/ 3796ft
- Distance
- 19 km
- Ascent
- 1018 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN954922
- Parking
- NO062898
- Nearest city
- Inverness
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Estate track 35% · Open moorland 35% · Summit plateau 30%
The most direct approach starts at the Linn of Dee, taking the Glen Lui track to White Bridge then climbing the Allt Garbh into Coire an t-Sabhail. Around 28km return with 1018m of ascent — bike strongly recommended for the lower 8km of estate track. Almost always combined with Monadh Mor across the broad bealach to the north for a two-Munro day. The Glen Feshie approach from Achlean is shorter but rougher.
Terrain
The Glen Lui and White Bridge tracks are firm gravel — bike to White Bridge to save time. Off the track the climb up the Allt Garbh is on rough heather and stones, with intermittent path. The summit plateau is granite gravel, mossy turf and weathered tors; the trig pillar sits on a small platform. The connecting ground to Monadh Mor is broad and undemanding.
In winter
A genuinely remote winter Munro. The long approach distances make daylight a real constraint. The plateau is a featureless snow plain in poor visibility and the rims of Glen Geusachan are corniced for much of the season. Carry full kit, plan bearings precisely and consider an overnight at Corrour bothy to break the day. SAIS Northern Cairngorms applies.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 48m
- Edinburgh3h 36m
OS maps: OS Landranger 43
Mobile signal: No signal above 900m in the remote southern Cairngorms. Mar Lodge car park has reasonable 4G. The Lairig Ghru and White Bridge approaches are fully out of range. Download Harvey Cairngorms map before setting off.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:24
- Sunset
- 22:03
- Civil dawn
- 03:19
- Civil dusk
- 23:08
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Beinn Bhrotain.
Around Beinn Bhrotain on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Bhrotain — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Bhrotain?
- Beinn Bhrotain is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 19km with 1018m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Glen Lui and White Bridge tracks are firm gravel — bike to White Bridge to save time.
- Where do I park for Beinn Bhrotain?
- Standard parking is at NO062898 near Inverness. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Bhrotain?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Bhrotain are May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Beinn Bhrotain?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Beinn Bhrotain?
- No signal above 900m in the remote southern Cairngorms. Mar Lodge car park has reasonable 4G. The Lairig Ghru and White Bridge approaches are fully out of range. Download Harvey Cairngorms map before setting off.
- Is Beinn Bhrotain safe in winter?
- A genuinely remote winter Munro. The long approach distances make daylight a real constraint. The plateau is a featureless snow plain in poor visibility and the rims of Glen Geusachan are corniced for much of the season. Carry full kit, plan bearings precisely and consider an overnight at Corrour bothy to break the day. SAIS Northern Cairngorms applies.
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