Graham · Arrochar & Trossachs
Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh)
Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh) (656m) is the central rise of the Luss Hills in the NS39 square, looking down on Glen Striddle and the village of Luss. A small cairn marks the top of a long grassy whaleback that gives an exceptional panorama from Ben Lomond round to the Cowal hills and the Clyde.
Quick facts
- Height
- 656.9m/ 2155ft
- Prominence
- 430 m
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 538 m
- Time
- 3–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NS321962
- Parking
- NS361928
- Nearest city
- Glasgow· 41km
- 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
heather moorland 60% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 15%
The classic line starts from the church car park in Luss village. Follow waymarked stiles east up the open hillside, gaining a fence line that runs straight up onto the Beinn Dubh ridge. A long, easy walk along grass takes you over Mid Hill to the cairn, with a return either by Beinn Eich for a horseshoe or back down the same fence.
Terrain
Stiled fence line for navigation throughout, with sheep-cropped grass underfoot. The ridge is smooth and broad — one of the easiest Grahams technically but a long up-and-down day if continuing round Glen Striddle.
In winter
The Luss Hills hold snow only briefly thanks to maritime air off Loch Lomond, but the open ridge catches every west wind. Frozen ground turns the grass treacherous and microspikes are useful — heavier gear rarely needed. The car park at Luss gives an unusually civilised winter start.
This hill is in the Southern Highlands SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 59m
- Edinburgh2h 3m
OS maps: OS Landranger 56
Mobile signal: Good. EE reliable on the open ridge above Luss; better on the loch side.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:50
- Sunset
- 21:59
- Civil dawn
- 03:52
- Civil dusk
- 22:57
NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 July 2026
On a long-distance route
Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh) sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh) on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Arrochar & Tarbet station
Arrochar Alps — The Cobbler, Beinn Ime, Beinn Narnain, Ben Vane, Ben Vorlich
9km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Luss
West Loch Lomond village — Highland Boundary, Loch Lomond Way
5km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Loch Lomond
Alexandria — sprawling distillery on the south end of the loch
17km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh) — common questions
- How hard is Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh)?
- We grade Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh) at 3/5, which puts it in moderately challenging territory. The usual route is around 13km with 538m of climbing; allow 3-6 hours. Underfoot: Stiled fence line for navigation throughout, with sheep-cropped grass underfoot.
- What is Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh)'s prominence?
- 430m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh) to the next higher ground.
- Where do I park for Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh)?
- Most walkers start from NS361928. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh)?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November give the most reliable conditions on Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh). Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh) dog-friendly?
- 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 Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh)?
- Good. EE reliable on the open ridge above Luss; better on the loch side.
- Is Mid Hill (Beinn Dubh) safe in winter?
- The Luss Hills hold snow only briefly thanks to maritime air off Loch Lomond, but the open ridge catches every west wind. Frozen ground turns the grass treacherous and microspikes are useful — heavier gear rarely needed. The car park at Luss gives an unusually civilised winter start.
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