Graham · Arrochar & Trossachs
Beinn a' Mhanaich
Beinn a' Mhanaich (709m) — the monk's hill — sits at NS26 in the Luss range above Glen Fruin, just north of Beinn Chaorach and east of Loch Long. A grass-and-bilberry cap with a small cairn gives views east over Loch Lomond to Ben Lomond, west to the Cobbler and Beinn Narnain, and south over the Faslane base to the Firth of Clyde. The hill takes its name from an old chapel-of-ease that once stood at the foot of its slopes.
Quick facts
- Height
- 709m/ 2326ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 581 m
- Time
- 3–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NS269946
- Parking
- NS275935
- Nearest city
- Glasgow
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 60% · grass slopes 30% · summit rocks 10%
From Glen Fruin parking at NS275935, take the metalled estate track climbing north-east into the headwater corrie. Strike up the south-west ridge on sheep paths and short grass to the summit. 13km return for an out-and-back; 581m of climb concentrated in the upper half. The hill makes a natural pairing with Beinn Chaorach for a half-day Luss circuit.
Terrain
Cropped Luss-style turf above 350m gives quick walking. A few peat hags surface on the broad ridge — easily avoided. The summit cairn rests on grassy ground; a small rocky outcrop just below offers shelter from west wind. Lower ground in Glen Fruin can be wet, but estate drainage helps.
In winter
High Loch Long rainfall and frequent freezing-fog episodes coat the bilberry slopes in verglas through any cold snap. Snow lies briefly but rarely deep. The Luss Hills sit outside any formal SAIS region — judgement and patience replace forecast. Daylight here is around eight hours in midwinter — better than central or northern hills.
This hill is in the Lochaber SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 2m
- Edinburgh2h 9m
OS maps: OS Landranger 56
Mobile signal: Moderate. EE connects on summit; Vodafone intermittent. Blind spots on the north approach into Glen Fruin.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:42
- Sunset
- 21:52
- Civil dawn
- 03:44
- Civil dusk
- 22:49
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Beinn a' Mhanaich 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
11km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Luss
West Loch Lomond village — Highland Boundary, Loch Lomond Way
9km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Loch Lomond
Alexandria — sprawling distillery on the south end of the loch
18km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Beinn a' Mhanaich — common questions
- How hard is Beinn a' Mhanaich?
- Beinn a' Mhanaich is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 581m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Cropped Luss-style turf above 350m gives quick walking.
- Where do I park for Beinn a' Mhanaich?
- Standard parking is at NS275935 near Glasgow. 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 a' Mhanaich?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn a' Mhanaich 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 Beinn a' Mhanaich?
- 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 a' Mhanaich?
- Moderate. EE connects on summit; Vodafone intermittent. Blind spots on the north approach into Glen Fruin.
- Is Beinn a' Mhanaich safe in winter?
- High Loch Long rainfall and frequent freezing-fog episodes coat the bilberry slopes in verglas through any cold snap. Snow lies briefly but rarely deep. The Luss Hills sit outside any formal SAIS region — judgement and patience replace forecast. Daylight here is around eight hours in midwinter — better than central or northern hills.