Corbett · Argyll & Bute
Beinn an Oir
Beinn an Oir — "hill of the gold" — is the highest of the three Paps of Jura, the iconic quartzite peaks that dominate the western coast of Scotland from Oban to Kintyre. At 785m it is also the highest hill in the inner Hebrides outside Skye, with a full 785m of prominence rising straight out of the sea. The summit is a trig pillar inside a stone shelter on a sea of loose white quartzite blocks. Reach by ferry to Jura via Islay; allow a full day from Craighouse.
Quick facts
- Height
- 785m/ 2575ft
- Prominence
- 785 m
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 644 m
- Time
- 4–7 hrs
- Grid ref
- NR498749
- Parking
- NR548745
- Nearest
- Oban
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
island track 15% · rough bog 25% · quartzite slopes 40% · summit quartzite 20%
The standard line starts from the small lay-by on the A846 at Three Arch Bridge north of Craighouse. Walk in along the rough path west across moorland to the foot of the Paps, then make a steep direct ascent up the south-east shoulder of Beinn an Oir on relentless loose quartzite scree. Around 14km return with 644m of ascent. Strong walkers extend over Beinn a' Chaolais and Beinn Shiantaidh for the Paps round (closer to 20km with 1500m of ascent).
Terrain
The Jura moorland is wet bog and pathless heather; the quartzite scree of the upper hills is loose, painful underfoot and one-step-forward-two-back on the ascent, faster on descent. The summit area is a maze of white quartzite blocks with the trig shelter unmistakable. No exposure but a real test of leg strength. Adders are present in Jura's heather; watch where you put your hands.
In winter
Maritime conditions mean snow is intermittent but Atlantic gales make wind chill brutal. The quartzite ices up quickly; the loose scree becomes a serious frozen scramble. Ferry crossings to Jura are weather-dependent — plan around forecasts and allow flexibility for cancellations. Daylight short above 55°N in midwinter.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 50m
- Edinburgh4h 52m
Ferry access
Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura)
- Crossing time145 min
- Summer sailingsIslay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day
- Winter sailingsIslay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular
- Book ahead21 days
- Last ferry backLast Jura ferry ~17:00; last Islay sailing varies — check both timetables
Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
Book on ferry operator ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 60, OS Landranger 61
Mobile signal: Limited signal at Craighouse only; nothing across the rest of Jura
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:02
- Sunset
- 21:58
- Civil dawn
- 04:07
- Civil dusk
- 22:53
NOAA Solar Calculator · 17 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Beinn an Oir.
Around Beinn an Oir on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn an Oir — common questions
- How hard is Beinn an Oir?
- We grade Beinn an Oir at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. The usual route is around 14km with 644m of climbing; allow 4-7 hours. Ground conditions: The Jura moorland is wet bog and pathless heather; the quartzite scree of the upper hills is loose, painful underfoot and one-step-forward-two-back on the ascent, faster on descent.
- How much drop does Beinn an Oir have?
- Beinn an Oir's prominence is its full height — 785m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it.
- Where's the parking for Beinn an Oir?
- Park at NR548745 near Oban. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
- What's the best month to climb Beinn an Oir?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September on Beinn an Oir. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Beinn an Oir?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Beinn an Oir?
- Limited signal at Craighouse only; nothing across the rest of Jura
- How do I get the ferry to Beinn an Oir?
- Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura). Islay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day in summer; Islay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular in winter. Book at least 21 days ahead. Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
- Is Beinn an Oir safe in winter?
- Maritime conditions mean snow is intermittent but Atlantic gales make wind chill brutal. The quartzite ices up quickly; the loose scree becomes a serious frozen scramble. Ferry crossings to Jura are weather-dependent — plan around forecasts and allow flexibility for cancellations. Daylight short above 55°N in midwinter.
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