How difficult is Beinn an Eoin?

Beinn an Eoin carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Trackless approach across blanket bog and quartzite scree once the estate path is left behind.

How prominent is Beinn an Eoin?

Beinn an Eoin has 272m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.

When should I climb Beinn an Eoin?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn an Eoin 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 an Eoin?

On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.

By Gary

Photo: Chris and Meg Mellish / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · North-West Highlands

Beinn an Eoin

This Beinn an Eoin sits on the watershed between Loch More and Loch Stack in central Sutherland, well east of the Foinaven group. The NC grid square places it among the quartzite knolls and lochan-pocked moors of the Reay Forest, a wild quarter rarely visited outside the stalking season.

Quick facts

Height: 545m/ 1788ft
Prominence: 272 m
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NC 38952 08265
Nearest city: Inverness· 69km
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 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Start at the bridge over the Laxford at NC 39 41 or use the estate track from Achfary, following the Allt na Glaslaich south-west onto the long north ridge. A modest cairn perches on a tumble of quartzite blocks, looking south towards Ben Hee. A serious day at 14 km return with around 580m of ascent.

Terrain

Trackless approach across blanket bog and quartzite scree once the estate path is left behind. The summit cone is steep and stony with no path, and route-finding on the descent requires care among the lochans.

In winter

The Reay Forest holds snow well above 400m and the bogs freeze hard, making winter easier underfoot but the descent through quartzite blockfields is treacherous in soft snow. Short daylight is the main constraint on this long round.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Beinn an Eoin. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS The Northwest Highlands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow6h 45m
Edinburgh7h 42m

OS maps: OS Landranger 16, OS Explorer 440S

Mobile signal: Poor. EE absent throughout; nearest coverage near the A836 corridor.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 17mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:46
Sunset: 19:43
Civil dawn: 06:06
Civil dusk: 20:23

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Beinn an Eoin on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Lairg station

Central Sutherland; Ben Klibreck approach; gateway to Far North inland

19km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Ullapool

Main NW Highlands hub; Hebrides ferry; Inverpolly access

30km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Beinn an Eoin — common questions

How difficult is Beinn an Eoin?: Beinn an Eoin carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Trackless approach across blanket bog and quartzite scree once the estate path is left behind.
How prominent is Beinn an Eoin?: Beinn an Eoin has 272m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
When should I climb Beinn an Eoin?: The standard good-weather months for Beinn an Eoin 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 an Eoin?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Beinn an Eoin?: Poor. EE absent throughout; nearest coverage near the A836 corridor.
Is Beinn an Eoin safe in winter?: The Reay Forest holds snow well above 400m and the bogs freeze hard, making winter easier underfoot but the descent through quartzite blockfields is treacherous in soft snow. Short daylight is the main constraint on this long round.

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