Graham · Arran
Beinn Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe
The high point of north Arran's quieter granite ridge, looking across to Goatfell and out over the Kilbrannan Sound to Kintyre. A steep grassy pull from the west coast of the island.
Gaelic: “mountain, summit, yellow” · Pronunciation: bine bharrain mull-ach boo-yeh
Quick facts
- Height
- 721.4m/ 2367ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 591 m
- Time
- 3–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NR901427
- Parking
- NR915443
- Nearest city
- Glasgow
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
village path 15% · steep heather 40% · open moorland 30% · summit area 15%
From Pirnmill take the track behind the village east into Glen Catacol. Climb steeply south up onto Mullach Buidhe via the heathery west ridge. Continue south along the ridge for the highest point at the trig.
Terrain
Steep heather and bracken on the climb out of Glen Catacol. The summit ridge is grass and granite slabs — pleasant walking once the height is gained. The descent is the same way or via Coire Roinn.
In winter
Arran's maritime climate keeps snow shallow but the steep grass turns to ice quickly. The ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick is the real winter variable — gales close the crossing for days.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 44m
- Edinburgh3h 57m
Ferry access
Ardrossan → Brodick
- Crossing time55 min
- Summer sailingsUp to 6 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings3–4 sailings daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead7 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable — last departure varies seasonally
Foot passengers welcome without booking. Book vehicle space well in advance in summer. A seasonal alternative runs Claonaig → Lochranza (30 min) in summer.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 62, OS Landranger 69
Mobile signal: Reception on the Pirnmill side; weaker on the ridge
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:47
- Sunset
- 21:51
- Civil dawn
- 03:51
- Civil dusk
- 22:47
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Beinn Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe.
Around Beinn Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Ardrossan Harbour station
Ferry to Brodick (Arran) — Goat Fell, Arran ridge
32km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Brodick
Arran base — Goat Fell, Glen Rosa, the Arran ridge
14km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Arran
Lochranza — northern Arran; revived in 1995; rich sherried releases
9km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Beinn Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe?
- Beinn Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 591m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Steep heather and bracken on the climb out of Glen Catacol.
- Where do I park for Beinn Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe?
- Standard parking is at NR915443 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 Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe 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 Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe?
- 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 Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe?
- Reception on the Pirnmill side; weaker on the ridge
- How do I get the ferry to Beinn Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe?
- Ardrossan → Brodick. Up to 6 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 3–4 sailings daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 7 days ahead. Foot passengers welcome without booking. Book vehicle space well in advance in summer. A seasonal alternative runs Claonaig → Lochranza (30 min) in summer.
- Is Beinn Bharrain - Mullach Buidhe safe in winter?
- Arran's maritime climate keeps snow shallow but the steep grass turns to ice quickly. The ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick is the real winter variable — gales close the crossing for days.