Meall a' Bhuachaille Circular Walk

The Meall a’ Bhuachaille Circular Walk is a great introduction to hillwalking in the Cairngorms National Park. Navigating the trail is a walk-in-the-park compared to some of the more remote hillwalks in the area. Great tracks and paths pave the way to the summit where you’ll enjoy spectacular views from atop Meall a’ Bhuachaille (2657ft).

As you depart the visitor centre where the walk begins, you’ll pick up a track that unfolds to the right of the centre and heads up left towards the reindeer centre. At the fork in the track, turn right and make your way into the enchanting forest of ancient Scots Pines that flank the trail before you. Up ahead, pause for a few moments to take in the remarkable views from an inviting seat along the trail where you can rest your legs before pressing on to the summit.

The variety of this lovely trail will soon become clear, as you continue the trail, using some steps and even a boardwalk at times as you make your way up the valley. Sparking Lochan Uaine then makes a welcomed appearance just before you join a stony path that marks your initial ascent uphill.

Take in the beauty of the Abernethy Forest as you continue to climb steadily, soon reaching the summit where you’ll find a large wind shelter cairn marking the highest point of the hill. After soaking up the views, continue on the path of descent which heads west, leading down to the bealach. From here, take the clear path of descent following the orange waymarkers and following signs for the visitor centre, where the walk began.