Graham · Kintail
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
- Prominence
- 270 m
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 574 m
- Time
- 4–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG910027
- Parking
- NG905019
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 35km
- 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 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.
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
- 04:46
- Sunset
- 22:09
- Civil dawn
- 03:45
- Civil dusk
- 23:10
NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 July 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?
- We grade Slat Bheinn at 4/5, which puts it in challenging territory. The usual route is around 13km with 574m of climbing; allow 4-6 hours. Ground conditions: Coastal path on bracken-strewn slope, then heather and exposed schist slabs above 400m.
- How much drop does Slat Bheinn have?
- The drop is 270m: measured from the summit of Slat Bheinn down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for Slat Bheinn?
- Park at NG905019. 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 Slat Bheinn?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September on Slat Bheinn. 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 Slat Bheinn?
- 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 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.
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