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
- 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%
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.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
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
- Sunrise
- 05:07
- Sunset
- 21:44
- Civil dawn
- 04:12
- Civil dusk
- 22:38
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Beinn an Eoin on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
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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