Meall Buidhe

719m Elevation
273m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Meall Buidhe

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Ben Alder Lodge Route

A straightforward approach from the south that starts at Ben Alder Lodge and winds steadily upwards to the summit, offering stunning views along the way.

12 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Cameron’s Route

An alternative route starting from Dalwhinnie, this path is less frequented, offering a quieter experience alongside impressive scenery.

10 km ~5 hours Challenging
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Graham Simm

Elevation

719m

2,360 ft

Prominence

273m

Coordinates

56.4190, -4.3087

NN576275

OS Map

51

Explorer: OL46N 365N

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent cairn, which is a classic sight on Scottish peaks, alongside amazing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with sections of heather and bog.

Composed mainly of granite and schist, Meall Buidhe showcases the rugged beauty typical of the Highlands, with rolling hills and steep crags that have been shaped by ancient glacial activity.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Grampian Mountains, Loch Ericht, and the imposing Ben Alder.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Meall Buidhe translates to 'yellow hill' in Gaelic, likely referring to the heather that blooms in shades of yellow on its slopes.

Historical Significance

As a Munro, Meall Buidhe attracts climbers and hikers seeking to complete the list of Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Ben Alder Lodge (NN593792), with plenty of space for vehicles.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Dalwhinnie, from which there are local bus services to the lodge during the tourist season.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities in Dalwhinnie, which includes a small shop and a café, but amenities are scarce in the immediate hiking region.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be wary of sudden weather changes in the Highlands; conditions can shift rapidly. The terrain can become boggy and tricky, particularly after rainfall.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Meall Buidhe?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Meall Buidhe through the maps

Are there other walkers around Meall Buidhe?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Meall Buidhe search or of course create your own walk for Meall Buidhe

Can I organise a walk to Meall Buidhe?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Meall Buidhe.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Meall Buidhe?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Meall Buidhe here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NN576275

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.