Graham · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Beinn na Cille
Beinn na Cille (652m) — the hill of the church — rises steeply out of Glen Tarbert in the NM85 square, dividing Loch Sunart from Loch Linnhe. The rocky top gives a wide sweep east to Ben Nevis and south down Loch Linnhe to the Corran Narrows.
Quick facts
- Height
- 652m/ 2139ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 535 m
- Time
- 3–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NM853542
- Parking
- NM935598
- Nearest city
- Oban
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
Park near the road junction at Inversanda on the A861. Cross the bridge and follow the deer fence north-west onto open hillside, climbing the steep south-east spur direct. The angle relents on the broad upper crest where short heather and rock lead pleasantly to the summit boulder.
Terrain
Deer fence and steep grassy gully at the start, then quartzite outcrops and short heather on the spur. The summit area is firm and open with the rock marker easily seen on approach.
In winter
Glen Tarbert catches Atlantic snow that turns to verglas on the quartzite outcrops overnight. The steep south-east spur becomes a serious axe-and-crampon proposition in winter conditions, and a SAIS West Highlands check is recommended for any rimed-rock day.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 27m
- Edinburgh3h 6m
OS maps: OS Landranger 49
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Glen Tarbert / Inversanda area; weak on most networks.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:41
- Sunset
- 21:58
- Civil dawn
- 03:41
- Civil dusk
- 22:58
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Beinn na Cille on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Oban station
Argyll ferry hub; Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra connections
24km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Oban
Argyll ferry hub — Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra
24km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Oban
Oban town centre — tiny two-still distillery bridging Highland and West Coast styles
24km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Beinn na Cille — common questions
- How hard is Beinn na Cille?
- Beinn na Cille is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 535m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Deer fence and steep grassy gully at the start, then quartzite outcrops and short heather on the spur.
- Where do I park for Beinn na Cille?
- Standard parking is at NM935598 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 na Cille?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn na Cille 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 na Cille?
- 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 na Cille?
- Poor. Remote Glen Tarbert / Inversanda area; weak on most networks.
- Is Beinn na Cille safe in winter?
- Glen Tarbert catches Atlantic snow that turns to verglas on the quartzite outcrops overnight. The steep south-east spur becomes a serious axe-and-crampon proposition in winter conditions, and a SAIS West Highlands check is recommended for any rimed-rock day.