How difficult is Beinn na Caillich?

Beinn na Caillich carries a 4/5 (challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 13km, 599m of ascent and a 4-6 hour day on the standard route. Ground conditions: Heather, grass and a few small outcrops.

How much drop does Beinn na Caillich have?

The drop is 153m: measured from the summit of Beinn na Caillich down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.

Where's the parking for Beinn na Caillich?

Park at NG767224 near Fort William. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.

What's the best month to climb Beinn na Caillich?

Aim for May, June, July, August, September on Beinn na Caillich. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.

Can dogs go up Beinn na Caillich?

Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.

By Gary

Photo: John Allan / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Graham · Skye & The Small Isles

Beinn na Caillich

The other half of the Kyle Rhea Graham pair, sitting east of Sgurr na Coinnich above the Glenelg-Kylerhea narrows. A short, sharp grassy cone with a fine outlook over the Sound of Sleat to Knoydart.

Quick facts

Height: 731.4m/ 2400ft
Prominence: 153 m
Distance: ~13 km
Ascent: ~599 m
Time: 4–6 hrs
Difficulty: 4 / 5Serious
Grid ref: NG770229
Parking: NG767224
Nearest: Fort William· Inverness 92km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

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Standard route

island path 25% · heather hillside 45% · rocky upper slopes 20% · summit area 10%

13km · 599m ascent · 3.6 hrs

From the Bealach Udal high point on the single-track Kylerhea road, cross the bealach eastwards and follow the broad ridge to the summit. Usually done as a there-and-back from the bealach, or linked with Sgurr na Coinnich opposite.

Terrain

Heather, grass and a few small outcrops. The bealach ground is boggy after rain but the upper slopes drain quickly. No path of any kind.

In winter

Maritime and exposed — wet snow and gale-force westerlies are the norm. The drive to the bealach is the main concern in winter as Kylerhea council road is not a priority for gritting.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Beinn na Caillich. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS The Northwest Highlands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 25m
Edinburgh4h 2m

Parking: NG767224

OS maps: OS Landranger 33

Mobile signal: Weak at Bealach Udal; signal returns on the descent to Kylerhea

Current conditions

Daylight Today

15h 25mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:22
Sunset: 20:25
Civil dawn: 05:41
Civil dusk: 21:06

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 August 2026

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Around Beinn na Caillich on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Applecross

Bealach na Bà and the Applecross peninsula

22km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Isle of Raasay Distillery

Raasay — new island distillery with rooms; Dun Caan walks from the door

26km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Beinn na Caillich — common questions

How difficult is Beinn na Caillich?: Beinn na Caillich carries a 4/5 (challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 13km, 599m of ascent and a 4-6 hour day on the standard route. Ground conditions: Heather, grass and a few small outcrops.
How much drop does Beinn na Caillich have?: The drop is 153m: measured from the summit of Beinn na Caillich down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
Where's the parking for Beinn na Caillich?: Park at NG767224 near Fort William. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
What's the best month to climb Beinn na Caillich?: Aim for May, June, July, August, September on Beinn na Caillich. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
Can dogs go up Beinn na Caillich?: Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
Will I get phone signal on Beinn na Caillich?: Weak at Bealach Udal; signal returns on the descent to Kylerhea
Is Beinn na Caillich safe in winter?: Maritime and exposed — wet snow and gale-force westerlies are the norm. The drive to the bealach is the main concern in winter as Kylerhea council road is not a priority for gritting.

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