Graham · Argyll & Bute
Beinn Shiantaidh
The most easterly of the three Paps of Jura, an unmistakable white quartzite cone seen from miles across the Sound of Jura. Less visited than Beinn an Oir but the classic Paps traverse needs it; alone it provides one of the most distinctive island summits in Scotland.
Quick facts
- Height
- 757.2m/ 2484ft
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 621 m
- Time
- 4–7 hrs
- Grid ref
- NR513747
- Parking
- NR527759
- Nearest
- Oban
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
island track 15% · rough bog 25% · quartzite scree 40% · summit rocks 20%
Start at the bridge over the Corran River on the A846 north of Craighouse. Cross the boggy moor west toward the foot of the cone, then tackle the relentless quartzite scree directly to the summit. Steep, loose, and slow.
Terrain
Bog and lochan-strewn moor on the approach, then unstable white quartzite blocks for the entire upper section. The scree is famously tiring under foot.
In winter
Snow rarely settles on Jura but rime ice on the quartzite blocks turns the scree into something close to a graded climb. Wind off the Atlantic is the deciding factor — the cone offers zero shelter.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 48m
- Edinburgh4h 51m
Ferry access
Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura)
- Crossing time145 min
- Summer sailingsIslay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day
- Winter sailingsIslay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular
- Book ahead21 days
- Last ferry backLast Jura ferry ~17:00; last Islay sailing varies — check both timetables
Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
Book on ferry operator ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 61
Mobile signal: No signal on Jura — very limited island coverage
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:48
- Sunset
- 21:55
- Civil dawn
- 03:51
- Civil dusk
- 22:52
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Beinn Shiantaidh.
Around Beinn Shiantaidh on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Shiantaidh — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Shiantaidh?
- Beinn Shiantaidh is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 621m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: Bog and lochan-strewn moor on the approach, then unstable white quartzite blocks for the entire upper section.
- Where do I park for Beinn Shiantaidh?
- Standard parking is at NR527759 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 Shiantaidh?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Shiantaidh 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 Shiantaidh?
- 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 Shiantaidh?
- No signal on Jura — very limited island coverage
- How do I get the ferry to Beinn Shiantaidh?
- Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura). Islay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day in summer; Islay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular in winter. Book at least 21 days ahead. Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
- Is Beinn Shiantaidh safe in winter?
- Snow rarely settles on Jura but rime ice on the quartzite blocks turns the scree into something close to a graded climb. Wind off the Atlantic is the deciding factor — the cone offers zero shelter.