How hard is Beinn Akie?

Beinn Akie is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Lewisian gneiss outcrops emerge from spongy peat and sphagnum-rich hollows.

When is the best time to climb Beinn Akie?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Akie are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Akie?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Beinn Akie?

Beinn Akie is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Lewisian gneiss outcrops emerge from spongy peat and sphagnum-rich hollows.

When is the best time to climb Beinn Akie?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Akie are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Akie?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: AlastairG / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · North-West Highlands

Beinn Akie

Beinn Akie is a quiet 288m bump in the NC34 grid square on the Cape Wrath peninsula, looking out across the Kyle of Durness towards Faraid Head. Despite the height, it is one of the most isolated summits in mainland Britain.

Quick facts

Height: 288m/ 945ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NC 34089 64994
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

blanket bog 55% · heather moorland 30% · rocky summit 15%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

There is no path. Start from the A838 near Keoldale, cross the rough ground above Daill Bay and follow the gentle southwest spur to the cairn. Round trip typically 2-3 hours of pathless walking.

Terrain

Lewisian gneiss outcrops emerge from spongy peat and sphagnum-rich hollows. The Cape Wrath bombing range lies nearby; check live firing notices before setting out.

In winter

Wild Atlantic gales scour the peninsula and horizontal sleet is common. Snow rarely settles for long but iced peat hags can be treacherous when wind-glazed.

This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow7h 7m
Edinburgh8h 58m

OS maps: OS Landranger 9, OS Explorer 446

Mobile signal: Poor. Dead zone; even roaming signals fail here in the far north.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

21h 00mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:11
Sunset: 22:29
Civil dawn: 02:50
Civil dusk: 23:50

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Beinn Akie on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Durness

Cape Wrath base; Smoo Cave; Sandwood Bay walk-in

7km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Beinn Akie — common questions

How hard is Beinn Akie?: Beinn Akie is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Lewisian gneiss outcrops emerge from spongy peat and sphagnum-rich hollows.
When is the best time to climb Beinn Akie?: The standard good-weather months for Beinn Akie are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Akie?: 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 Akie?: Poor. Dead zone; even roaming signals fail here in the far north.
Is Beinn Akie safe in winter?: Wild Atlantic gales scour the peninsula and horizontal sleet is common. Snow rarely settles for long but iced peat hags can be treacherous when wind-glazed.

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