Beinn Bhreac

Beinn Bhreac is a twin-peaked mountain in the Cairngorms, standing above Glen Derry about eleven kilometres north-west of Braemar. Its two summits lie on a boggy moorland plateau called the Moine Bhealaidh, where the eastern peak rises four metres higher than the western one. From the top, walkers look out over the Cairngorm giants, including Ben MacDui, the second highest mountain in Britain. The slopes on the east and west are steep and rocky, while the south-western side slopes more gently down towards Derry Lodge.

The mountain is a Munro of 931 metres and ranks 249th among Scotland’s peaks. It is often climbed together with the nearby Munro Beinn a’ Chaorainn, which lies four kilometres north across the Moine Bhealaidh plateau. The plateau itself is a featureless expanse of bog and yellow moss, offering few landmarks but a sense of deep solitude. The contrast between the quiet moor and the rocky ridges gives the place a calm, untouched feel.

The usual route starts at the Linn of Dee car park and follows an estate road up Glen Lui for five kilometres to Derry Lodge. From there the path turns north up Glen Derry before climbing the south-western flanks of Beinn Bhreac. After crossing the bealach between Meall an Lundain and the mountain, a steep final pull leads to the summit. Bicycles can be used on the estate road and left securely near Derry Lodge for the return journey.