3,927 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Beinn a' Bhùird
Beinn a' Bhùird is a 3,927 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Gleann an t-Slugain: 18 mi, 3,440 ft of gain, Class 2.
Beinn a' Bhùird at a glance
- Elevation3,927 ft1,196 m
- RouteNormal Route via Gleann an t-SlugainClass 2
- Distance18 mi3,440 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Normal Route via Gleann an t-Slugain
From Braemar, drive east on the A93 and turn off near Invercauld Bridge to the Keiloch car park (parking charge). Follow the estate lane past Invercauld House and up Gleann an t-Slugain, where a mountain bike saves hours, to the ruined Slugain Lodge. A stalkers path climbs past Carn Fiaclach onto the vast plateau, and a long Class 2 walk north along the corrie rims reaches the small North Top cairn. The table-top is featureless in mist and the eastern cliffs carry cornices. Very fit walkers add Ben Avon via The Sneck. Allow a full day and carry a head torch.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Low visibility
- Route-finding difficulty
- Cornices
- Remote location
- High winds
Quests with Beinn a' Bhùird
MunrosPeaks near Beinn a' Bhùird
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Beinn a' Bhùird?
Beinn a' Bhùird is 3,927 feet (1,196 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Beinn a' Bhùird rank among the Munros?
At 3,927 feet, Beinn a' Bhùird is the 11th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Beinn a' Bhùird?
The Normal Route via Gleann an t-Slugain is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 18 miles with 3,440 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Beinn a' Bhùird?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Normal Route via Gleann an t-Slugain, covering 18 miles with 3,440 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Beinn a' Bhùird?
The Normal Route via Gleann an t-Slugain needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 18 miles with 3,440 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Beinn a' Bhùird?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Beinn a' Bhùird with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list