TrailTrack
Beinn a' Bhuird South Top
Scotland

Beinn a' Bhuird South Top

1179M
3866FT

About Beinn a' Bhuird South Top

Elevated high on the eastern rim of a vast arctic plateau, this Munro Top offers a rugged perspective of the Cairngorm wilderness. It overlooks the dramatic shattered crags of Coire nan Clach and provides a commanding view across the Quoich Water towards the neighbouring bulk of Ben Avon.

Key Statistics

Rank
17th Highest in The Cairngorms
Parent Range
The Cairngorms
Prominence
?
49.5m
Nearest Town
Aberdeenshire
Geology
You are walking on granite from the Cairngorm Pluton. This rock formed deep underground from slowly cooling molten magma, creating the rugged foundation beneath your boots.
Classifications

Find It

OS Grid Reference
NO091986
Latitude
57.0694°N
Longitude
3.5008°W

Did You Know?

  • The name Beinn a' Bhuird is Gaelic for 'Mountain of the Table', a fitting description for the massive, flat-topped granite plateau upon which this summit sits.
  • While the North Top is the true Munro summit, the South Top is the highest point on the rim of Coire nan Clach, offering a far more dramatic plunging view into the eastern corries than the main peak.
  • The plateau between the South and North tops is carpeted in a fragile ecosystem of prostrate moss campion and mountain shrubs, characteristic of the high-altitude 'tundra' found in the Cairngorm interior.
  • A popular approach involves a long, scenic walk-in through Glen Quoich, following the river before ascending the steep slopes onto the plateau, often combined with a visit to the 'Sneck'—the deep col connecting to Ben Avon.
  • This summit serves as a stern psychological test for those approaching from the south; after the long trek from Braemar, it represents the first major high point, yet the true summit still lies a further 1.5 kilometres across the wind-scoured tableland.

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3D Flyover

Experience a virtual tour of Beinn a' Bhuird South Top with our interactive 3D terrain map.