Scotland
Carn Ruadh-bhreac
617M
2026FT
About Carn Ruadh-bhreac
Rising from the heathery Braes of Glenlivet south of Tomintoul, this rounded Tump offers a quiet alternative to the more famous Cairngorm giants. The ascent through rolling grouse moorland leads to a broad summit with clear views across the River Avon valley toward the massive, tor-crowned plateau of Ben Avon.
Key Statistics
Rank
181st Highest in The Cairngorms
Parent Range
The Cairngorms
Prominence
?
37.4m
Nearest Town
Tomintoul
Geology
You are trekking over tough, sparkling quartzite and dark, carbon-rich rocks. These hardened layers of ancient sand and mud create the fell's rugged foundation.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NJ124129
Latitude
57.1985°N
Longitude
3.4514°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic Càrn Ruadh-bhreac, which translates as the 'Speckled Red Hill', likely referring to the dappled appearance of russet heather and weathered stone on its slopes.
- •Located on the Glenlivet Estate, the hill is typical of the 'Braes', featuring a mix of managed grouse moor and peatland that requires a keen eye for navigation once off the lower estate tracks.
- •From the summit, you can look east to see the high pass of the A939 road near the Lecht, frequently cited as one of the first roads in the UK to be closed by winter snow.
- •The summit serves as an excellent grandstand for viewing the high Cairngorm plateau to the south, particularly the massive eastern bulk of Beinn a' Bhùird and its deep glacial corries.