Graham · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Slat Bheinn
Slat Bheinn (700m) is a remote schist hill at the head of Loch Hourn, set in the NG90 square on the Knoydart-Glenelg border. Its name means the long staff hill — a reference to the slender summit ridge angled north-east. Standing well back from the road, it sees few visitors despite a fine view across the loch to Beinn Sgritheall.
Quick facts
- Height
- 700.6m/ 2299ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 574 m
- Time
- 4–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG910027
- Parking
- NG905019
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather and bog 55% · rocky hillside 30% · grass slopes 15%
The standard approach is from Kinloch Hourn at the road end. Follow the coastal path west for 4km to the Skiary cottage, then strike up the north-east shoulder on heather and slabby outcrops. The crest is a delight: a thin ribbon of schist with one airy spot before the summit outcrop.
Terrain
Coastal path on bracken-strewn slope, then heather and exposed schist slabs above 400m. The slanted summit outcrop tilts steeply enough to need a hand in the wet. Pathless above the cottage with deer trods the only assistance.
In winter
Loch Hourn's microclimate combines maritime wet with sudden Atlantic squalls — snow is intermittent but the schist slabs verglas viciously after rain. The walk-in from Kinloch Hourn is a serious commitment in short December daylight, and there is no quick exit from the upper ridge.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 57m
- Edinburgh4h 35m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: Poor. Ardnamurchan peninsula location with very limited coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:38
- Sunset
- 22:01
- Civil dawn
- 03:36
- Civil dusk
- 23:03
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Slat Bheinn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Slat Bheinn — common questions
- How hard is Slat Bheinn?
- Slat Bheinn is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 574m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Coastal path on bracken-strewn slope, then heather and exposed schist slabs above 400m.
- Where do I park for Slat Bheinn?
- Standard parking is at NG905019 near Fort William. 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 Slat Bheinn?
- The standard good-weather months for Slat Bheinn 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 Slat Bheinn?
- 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 Slat Bheinn?
- Poor. Ardnamurchan peninsula location with very limited coverage.
- Is Slat Bheinn safe in winter?
- Loch Hourn's microclimate combines maritime wet with sudden Atlantic squalls — snow is intermittent but the schist slabs verglas viciously after rain. The walk-in from Kinloch Hourn is a serious commitment in short December daylight, and there is no quick exit from the upper ridge.