Highlight • Mountain Hut
Callater Stables Bothy
Hiking
5.0
(22)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
November 13, 2019
Hiking
During the TGO Challenge this a really fun place with awesome people treating the hikers with food and drinks. It is donation-based, so bring some cash since there is no cell service here.
October 5, 2021
Hiking
Easy to find and maintained by the MBA. Outdoor composting toilet here also.
July 25, 2023
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Callater Stables Bothy
4.8
(13)
140
hikers
14.6km
04:32
440m
440m
Embark on the Loch Callater and Jock's Road Loop, a moderate hiking route spanning 9.0 miles (14.6 km) with an elevation gain of 1456 feet (444 metres). This journey typically takes around 4 hours and 32 minutes to complete. You will begin on a clear track following Callater Burn, which guides you into the expansive Glen Callater. As you progress, the scenery transforms, revealing the serene waters of Loch Callater nestled among rolling, heathery hills. The varied terrain provides a genuine sense of the Cairngorms' wild beauty, where you might even encounter local wildlife like deer.
When planning your visit, be aware that conditions on the trail can vary significantly. Sections beyond Loch Callater may be boggy and less defined, requiring careful footing. The high plateau is exposed to the elements, meaning you should prepare for strong winds and potentially fierce storms, especially during winter months. Good navigational skills are essential, as the path can become indistinct if visibility is poor or snow covers the ground.
This loop offers a unique opportunity to experience a historic part of Scotland within Cairngorms National Park. The route incorporates sections of Jock's Road, an ancient drovers' path used for centuries to move livestock across the challenging landscape. Following in the footsteps of past travelers, you gain insight into the region's heritage while surrounded by its natural grandeur.
4.3
(3)
73
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.
33.9km
10:41
1,290m
1,290m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 500 m
Weather
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Saturday 13 June
11°C
3°C
36 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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