Corbett · Knoydart
Beinn na Caillich
Beinn na Caillich — 'the old woman's hill' — is the 785m Corbett rising directly east of Beinn na h-Eaglaise above Arnisdale on the south shore of Loch Hourn. (Not to be confused with the Skye Beinn na Caillich above Broadford, which is a different hill.) The mainland Beinn na Caillich is the higher of the two Loch Hourn Corbetts, with views across the loch to Ladhar Bheinn and out to the small islands. Most parties tackle it as half of a natural double with Beinn na h-Eaglaise from Arnisdale.
Quick facts
- Height
- 785m/ 2575ft
- Distance
- 10 km
- Ascent
- 870 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG795066
- Parking
- NG842105
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
glen path 20% · steep grass 40% · rocky upper slopes 30% · summit area 10%
The mountain is usually approached from Arnisdale on Loch Hourn (NG842105), most efficiently after climbing Beinn na h-Eaglaise: drop east off that summit to the bealach, then work south-east up the wide west flank of Beinn na Caillich. A short level crest leads to the cairn at the top. For a single-hill day instead, walk east along the coast road to NG866110 and take the south-west ridge straight up. Five to six hours for the hill alone, seven to eight as a pair with Beinn na h-Eaglaise.
Terrain
Steep grass and heather on the ascent from Arnisdale. The bealach between Beinn na Caillich and Beinn na h-Eaglaise is broad and grassy. The summit ridge has a few small rocky outcrops; the cairn is substantial. Views into Loch Hourn from the rim of the summit area are the day's highlight.
In winter
Maritime hill — snow rarely persistent but Atlantic systems make the open ridge a serious place in any cover. The single-track approach from Glenelg is itself the main winter complication; it ices up readily and isn't on the gritting network. The east-facing slope holds late snow and rock outcrops can verglas in cold spells. A demanding short winter day in firm conditions.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 7m
- Edinburgh4h 47m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: Brief signal possible on the summit with views toward Broadford on Skye
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:38
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:36
- Civil dusk
- 23:04
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Beinn na Caillich.
Around Beinn na Caillich on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn na Caillich — common questions
- How hard is Beinn na Caillich?
- Beinn na Caillich is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 10km with 870m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Steep grass and heather on the ascent from Arnisdale.
- Where do I park for Beinn na Caillich?
- Standard parking is at NG842105 near Fort William. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn na Caillich?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn na Caillich are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Beinn na Caillich?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Beinn na Caillich?
- Brief signal possible on the summit with views toward Broadford on Skye
- Is Beinn na Caillich safe in winter?
- Maritime hill — snow rarely persistent but Atlantic systems make the open ridge a serious place in any cover. The single-track approach from Glenelg is itself the main winter complication; it ices up readily and isn't on the gritting network. The east-facing slope holds late snow and rock outcrops can verglas in cold spells. A demanding short winter day in firm conditions.