Graham · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Beinn a' Mheadhoin
Beinn a' Mheadhoin (611m), the middle hill, lies above Loch Mullardoch in the NH22 square, the heart of the Affric-Cannich country. A prominent rocky outcrop on the north side of the walker's line crowns the top, set on a long, rolling ridge wedged between Glen Affric and Glen Cannich. Ancient pine and birch on the lower flanks give the approach a particularly atmospheric character.
Quick facts
- Height
- 611.9m/ 2008ft
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 458 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH218255
- Parking
- NH207258
- Nearest city
- Inverness
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 55% · ancient woodland 25% · rocky summit 20%
From the road end car park at NH207258 above Cannich, follow the stalkers' path west and then climb onto the south ridge through scattered pines. The line traces the crest over a series of small rises to the summit outcrop. Six hours allows for the walk in plus the climb; the descent retraces the route or extends west to take in the next bump on the ridge.
Terrain
Stalkers' paths through fragments of Caledonian pine give a beautiful start. Above the woodland the ridge is short heather and exposed rock, with bilberry between blocks. The summit outcrop is on the north side of the obvious walker line — easy to miss in cloud.
In winter
Glen Affric and Glen Cannich hold snow well into spring and Beinn a' Mheadhoin's rolling ridge drifts deeply in lee hollows. The ancient pines on the lower hill are stunning under snow but the path beneath disappears. The hill itself is gentle; the long walk in is what makes it a committing winter day.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 10m
- Edinburgh4h 32m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Glen Affric/Strathglass area; limited coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:34
- Sunset
- 22:01
- Civil dawn
- 03:31
- Civil dusk
- 23:03
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
On a long-distance route
Beinn a' Mheadhoin sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Beinn a' Mheadhoin on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn a' Mheadhoin — common questions
- How hard is Beinn a' Mheadhoin?
- Beinn a' Mheadhoin is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 458m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Stalkers' paths through fragments of Caledonian pine give a beautiful start.
- Where do I park for Beinn a' Mheadhoin?
- Standard parking is at NH207258 near Inverness. 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' Mheadhoin?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn a' Mheadhoin are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. 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' Mheadhoin?
- 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' Mheadhoin?
- Poor. Remote Glen Affric/Strathglass area; limited coverage.
- Is Beinn a' Mheadhoin safe in winter?
- Glen Affric and Glen Cannich hold snow well into spring and Beinn a' Mheadhoin's rolling ridge drifts deeply in lee hollows. The ancient pines on the lower hill are stunning under snow but the path beneath disappears. The hill itself is gentle; the long walk in is what makes it a committing winter day.