How hard is Beinn Donachain?

Beinn Donachain is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 534m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Glen Strae track at the start, then a river crossing that can be tricky in spate.

Where do I park for Beinn Donachain?

Standard parking is at NN156291 near Oban. 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 Donachain?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Donachain 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 Donachain?

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

How hard is Beinn Donachain?

Beinn Donachain is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 534m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Glen Strae track at the start, then a river crossing that can be tricky in spate.

Where do I park for Beinn Donachain?

Standard parking is at NN156291 near Oban. 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 Donachain?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Donachain 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 Donachain?

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 Donachain

Beinn Donachain (651m) is the southern guardian of Glen Strae in the NN13 square, north-east of Dalmally. A rocky outcrop marks the top of a steep cone with the Bridge of Orchy Munros to the north and Loch Awe spread south in fine arcs of water.

Quick facts

Height: 651.4m/ 2137ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 534 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NN198316
Parking: NN156291
Nearest city: Oban
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather moorland 65% · grass slopes 20% · rocky summit 15%

13km · 534m ascent · 3.5 hrs

Park at Castles Farm at the foot of Glen Strae. Take the estate track north up the glen for two kilometres, then leave it to cross the river and climb the steep west spur direct. The rocky cone above is hard work for the legs but quickly rewarded by the outcrop and its panorama.

Terrain

Glen Strae track at the start, then a river crossing that can be tricky in spate. The west spur is steep grass and bracken with rock breaks; the summit cone is a fine little climb with hand-and-foot moves at the very top.

In winter

Glen Strae receives heavy west-coast precipitation and the cone of Beinn Donachain rimes up beautifully. Wind slab can form on the lee north flank; the river crossing also runs high after thaws. SAIS Glencoe forecasts cover this western edge of the area.

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

Glasgow2h 50m
Edinburgh3h 34m

Parking: NN156291

OS maps: OS Landranger 50

Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Glen Strae north of Dalmally; weak on most networks.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 12mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:40
Sunset: 21:55
Civil dawn: 03:41
Civil dusk: 22:53

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Beinn Donachain on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Dalmally station

Ben Cruachan; Dalmally Horseshoe; Argyll inland access

6km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Oban

Argyll ferry hub — Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra

34km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Beinn Donachain — common questions

How hard is Beinn Donachain?: Beinn Donachain is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 534m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Glen Strae track at the start, then a river crossing that can be tricky in spate.
Where do I park for Beinn Donachain?: Standard parking is at NN156291 near Oban. 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 Donachain?: The standard good-weather months for Beinn Donachain 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 Donachain?: 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 Donachain?: Poor. Remote Glen Strae north of Dalmally; weak on most networks.
Is Beinn Donachain safe in winter?: Glen Strae receives heavy west-coast precipitation and the cone of Beinn Donachain rimes up beautifully. Wind slab can form on the lee north flank; the river crossing also runs high after thaws. SAIS Glencoe forecasts cover this western edge of the area.