How hard is Beinn Bheag?

Beinn Bheag is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 548m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Stalkers track on the lower flank, then bog and tussock on the col approach.

When is the best time to climb Beinn Bheag?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Bheag 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 Bheag?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Beinn Bheag?

Beinn Bheag is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 548m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Stalkers track on the lower flank, then bog and tussock on the col approach.

When is the best time to climb Beinn Bheag?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Bheag 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 Bheag?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Submit a photo

Graham · North-West Highlands

Beinn Bheag

Beinn Bheag (668m) — the little hill — perches above the upper reaches of the Inverbroom road in NH08, a small sandstone summit overshadowed by An Teallach to the south-west. The small cairn looks across the Strath More glen to the Fannichs and west to the great Torridonian cliffs of An Teallach's northern flanks. A quiet vantage on a popular touring route.

Gaelic: “mountain, small” · Pronunciation: bine vek

Quick facts

Height: 668.4m/ 2193ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 548 m
Time: 4–6 hrs
Difficulty: 4 / 5Serious
Grid ref: NH085714
Nearest: Ullapool· Inverness 64km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

No GPX track yet

Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.

Submit your GPX

Standard route

heather moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%

13km · 548m ascent · 3.5 hrs

Start from the layby south of Dundonnell on the A832 and follow the Allt Coir' a' Ghuibhsachain track south. Branch off east onto open hillside at around 350m and climb the heather-and-bilberry shoulder to the broad summit area. The small cairn sits on a low rise — line of sight from the col with the higher ground to the south.

Terrain

Stalkers track on the lower flank, then bog and tussock on the col approach. The upper slopes are short heather and grass with patches of slabby Torridonian rock. The summit dome is broad and gently rolling — easy on the legs but featureless in cloud.

In winter

Beinn Bheag sees the full force of Atlantic snowfall driven over An Teallach. The summit dome is exposed and wind-scoured but drifts pile up against the small east-facing crags. Cornicing is rare on this gentle terrain. Coverage from SAIS Northwest applies for the wider area.

This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow4h 4m
Edinburgh4h 25m

OS maps: OS Landranger 19, OS Explorer 435

Mobile signal: Poor. Remote north-west Highlands; limited coverage on all networks.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 43mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:32
Sunset: 22:05
Civil dawn: 03:27
Civil dusk: 23:10

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

Got a photo of Beinn Bheag?

30 seconds, helps other walkers.

Submit a photo

Walked it with a GPX?

From your watch or phone.

Submit GPX

Trip report?

Share what it was actually like.

Get in touch →

Around Beinn Bheag on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Plockton station

Coastal Wester Ross; Plockton village; Skye Bridge approach

47km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Ullapool

Main NW Highlands hub; Hebrides ferry; Inverpolly access

23km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Beinn Bheag — common questions

How hard is Beinn Bheag?: Beinn Bheag is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 548m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Stalkers track on the lower flank, then bog and tussock on the col approach.
When is the best time to climb Beinn Bheag?: The standard good-weather months for Beinn Bheag 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 Bheag?: 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 Bheag?: Poor. Remote north-west Highlands; limited coverage on all networks.
Is Beinn Bheag safe in winter?: Beinn Bheag sees the full force of Atlantic snowfall driven over An Teallach. The summit dome is exposed and wind-scoured but drifts pile up against the small east-facing crags. Cornicing is rare on this gentle terrain. Coverage from SAIS Northwest applies for the wider area.