Corbett · Argyll & Bute
Cnoc Coinnich
Cnoc Coinnich is the 763m Corbett standing between The Brack and Beinn an Lochain at the centre of the Arrochar Alps, above the Rest and Be Thankful. The name means 'mossy hill', a description that holds up after rain. The mountain is overshadowed by its better-known neighbours — The Cobbler, Beinn an Lochain, Beinn Narnain — but the summit gives one of the cleanest viewpoints of the Arrochar group at modest height and effort. Newly added to the Corbett list after a 2012 re-survey reclassified it from a Graham.
Quick facts
- Height
- 763.5m/ 2505ft
- Distance
- 11 km
- Ascent
- 700 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN233007
- Parking
- NN272039
- Nearest city
- Oban
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
glen track 30% · heather hillside 40% · grassy upper ridge 20% · summit area 10%
Park at the Ardgartan car park on the A83 (NN272039), where the Brack also starts. Take the forestry track east through Coilessan, then turn south up Coilessan Glen on a path that climbs steadily. From the bealach between Coilessan and Cnoc Coinnich, climb west onto the broad summit ridge. The cairn sits on a small rocky outcrop. Return reverses the line, or extend with The Brack from the same forestry start. Allow 5–6 hours.
Terrain
Forestry tracks and a rebuilt path cover the lower slopes — kept up by the Forest Park. Above the trees the going turns to heather, grass and small rock outcrops. The summit area is broad with a modest cairn perched on low rock. Notoriously boggy underfoot, even in dry weather — the name is accurate.
In winter
Maritime Arrochar winter — snow is intermittent and rarely deep, but the rocky upper section ices up readily. The Ardgartan road stays open year-round. Cold easterlies funnelling up Loch Long can be ferocious on the open ridge. Pair with The Brack for a Corbett double from the same forestry start.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 12m
- Edinburgh2h 15m
OS maps: OS Landranger 56
Mobile signal: No signal in this remote Kintail/Glenshiel area
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:42
- Sunset
- 21:52
- Civil dawn
- 03:44
- Civil dusk
- 22:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
On a long-distance route
Cnoc Coinnich sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Cnoc Coinnich on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Arrochar & Tarbet station
Arrochar Alps — The Cobbler, Beinn Ime, Beinn Narnain, Ben Vane, Ben Vorlich
8km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Luss
West Loch Lomond village — Highland Boundary, Loch Lomond Way
15km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Loch Lomond
Alexandria — sprawling distillery on the south end of the loch
25km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Cnoc Coinnich — common questions
- How hard is Cnoc Coinnich?
- Cnoc Coinnich is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 11km with 700m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Forestry tracks and a rebuilt path cover the lower slopes — kept up by the Forest Park.
- Where do I park for Cnoc Coinnich?
- Standard parking is at NN272039 near Oban. 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 Cnoc Coinnich?
- The standard good-weather months for Cnoc Coinnich are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Cnoc Coinnich?
- 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 Cnoc Coinnich?
- No signal in this remote Kintail/Glenshiel area
- Is Cnoc Coinnich safe in winter?
- Maritime Arrochar winter — snow is intermittent and rarely deep, but the rocky upper section ices up readily. The Ardgartan road stays open year-round. Cold easterlies funnelling up Loch Long can be ferocious on the open ridge. Pair with The Brack for a Corbett double from the same forestry start.