Highlight • Viewpoint
Tom Buidhe Summit
Hiking
5.0
(15)
Start options include the Cairnwell Pass by the Glenshee Ski Centre, Auchallter further north along the A93 or Glen Clova, to the east. Your choice largely depends on what other mountains you fancy bagging alongside Tom Buidhe. No matter which route you take, you’ll likely come across boggy terrain and pathless sections but there’s nothing technical on the most direct ascents.
On the summit, you’ll find a small cairn and some good views, although instant drama is muted by the domed top spreading out in all directions. Whilst the approach poses few difficulties here, only the most enthusiastic of older children may be game for the lengthy walk-in.
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
April 5, 2020
Hiking
August 22, 2021
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July 9, 2022
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Tom Buidhe Summit
4.6
(9)
93
hikers
Embark on a challenging 13.1 miles (21.1 km) hike through the Cairngorms National Park, gaining 3110 feet (948 metres) in elevation. This difficult route, estimated to take 6 hours and 55 minutes, offers expansive panoramic views across the rugged Scottish landscape. From the summit of Carn an Tuirc, you can gaze upon extensive vistas to the north-west, while Tolmount provides clear sightlines down to Glen Callater and across to Coire Loch Kander, showcasing the wild beauty of the highlands.
Planning your visit requires a good level of fitness due to the route's length and significant ascent. Be prepared for varied terrain, which includes boggy sections, boulder fields, and peat hags. Navigation on the high moorland plateau can be particularly tricky, especially if visibility is poor, so ensure you have proficient navigation skills before setting out on this demanding adventure.
This loop is renowned for allowing you to bag four Munros: Carn an Tuirc, Cairn of Claise, Tolmount, and Tom Buidhe. These prominent peaks make the trail a significant achievement for any hiker looking to conquer multiple Scottish mountains in a single outing. The experience offers a deep immersion into the unique natural environment of the Cairngorms, a region celebrated for its vast, untamed wilderness.
4.3
(3)
76
hikers
29.1km
08:37
810m
810m
Embark on the Tolmount & Tom Buidhe loop from Auchallater, a challenging 18.1-mile (29.1 km) hike that offers a true sense of the Scottish wilderness. This difficult route involves a significant 2643 feet (806 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 8 hours and 36 minutes to complete. As you ascend, you will encounter varied terrain, from tussocky grass and blaeberry to notoriously boggy ground and pathless sections on the high plateau. From Tolmount's summit, panoramic views stretch across the vast Mounth plateau and into Glen Callater, with distant snow-capped Cairngorms visible on clear days, while Tom Buidhe provides clear views towards Lochnagar and the White Mounth mountains.
Planning your visit requires good stamina due to the length and elevation. Navigation can be tricky, especially in poor visibility, because of vast, featureless sections of the plateau. While some ascents are gradual, the overall distance demands very good fitness. Winter ascents are possible but require experienced hikers equipped with four-season boots, an ice axe, and crampons. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions in the Cairngorms, as the mountain environment can be unforgiving.
This loop is a popular choice for Munro bagging, as both Tolmount (958 metres) and Tom Buidhe (957 metres) are Munros, often climbed together. The trail frequently incorporates sections of Jock's Road, an ancient and arduous drovers' path with significant historical importance regarding access rights in Scotland. Along Jock's Road, you might also find Davies's Stone, an emergency shelter marking a tragic event from 1959, which serves as a stark reminder of the serious nature of hiking in these mountains. This route offers an exhilarating sense of isolation on the expansive Mounth plateau.
4.6
(18)
245
hikers
29.5km
10:04
1,400m
1,410m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 940 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
no
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Wednesday 1 July
12°C
6°C
42 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 33.0 km/h
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