How hard is Beinn Clachach?

Beinn Clachach is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 482m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Estate path then trackless boulder-strewn heather above Loch nan Eun.

Where do I park for Beinn Clachach?

Standard parking is at NG846119 near Fort William. 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 Clachach?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Clachach 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 Clachach?

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

How hard is Beinn Clachach?

Beinn Clachach is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 482m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Estate path then trackless boulder-strewn heather above Loch nan Eun.

Where do I park for Beinn Clachach?

Standard parking is at NG846119 near Fort William. 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 Clachach?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Clachach 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 Clachach?

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

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Graham · Glen Coe & Lochaber

Beinn Clachach

Beinn Clachach (642m) — the stony hill — is a rough Lochalsh top in the NG81 square, looking north over the Sound of Sleat toward Knoydart. The summit pairing of rock and small cairn sits above Loch nan Eun, with views west to Skye that include the Cuillin on a clear day.

Quick facts

Height: 642.3m/ 2107ft
Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 482 m
Time: 3–5 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NG885109
Parking: NG846119
Nearest city: Fort William
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

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

12km · 482m ascent · 3.2 hrs

Start from the lay-by north of Arnisdale on the minor road into Coire-shubh. Follow the estate path east up the burn, then strike north onto the open hillside past Loch nan Eun. Rough heather and boulder fields lead onto the south spur and so to the rocky summit beside the cairn.

Terrain

Estate path then trackless boulder-strewn heather above Loch nan Eun. The south spur has chunky Lewisian gneiss underfoot — slow going but secure. The cairn and rock pair are easily found in clear weather.

In winter

Arnisdale catches huge sea-level rainfall that turns to snow quickly above 400m. Beinn Clachach's boulder-fields ice over and become awkward to traverse without spikes. The road is single-track and seldom gritted, so winter access is the bigger problem than the hill itself.

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

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 6m
Edinburgh4h 43m

Parking: NG846119

OS maps: OS Landranger 33

Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Arnisdale / Sound of Sleat coast; weak on all networks.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 29mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:37
Sunset: 22:02
Civil dawn: 03:35
Civil dusk: 23:04

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Beinn Clachach on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Kyle of Lochalsh station

Skye Bridge; Five Sisters of Kintail; Glen Shiel; Plockton

21km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Mallaig

Ferry port for Skye and the Small Isles; CWT finish supply

25km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Beinn Clachach — common questions

How hard is Beinn Clachach?: Beinn Clachach is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 482m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Estate path then trackless boulder-strewn heather above Loch nan Eun.
Where do I park for Beinn Clachach?: Standard parking is at NG846119 near Fort William. 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 Clachach?: The standard good-weather months for Beinn Clachach 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 Clachach?: 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 Clachach?: Poor. Remote Arnisdale / Sound of Sleat coast; weak on all networks.
Is Beinn Clachach safe in winter?: Arnisdale catches huge sea-level rainfall that turns to snow quickly above 400m. Beinn Clachach's boulder-fields ice over and become awkward to traverse without spikes. The road is single-track and seldom gritted, so winter access is the bigger problem than the hill itself.