Marilyn · Argyll & Bute
Beinn Bheigier
Beinn Bheigier is the high point of Islay at 491m, rising above the wild south-eastern moorland of the island. On clear days the view reaches Ireland — the Antrim coast and even the Mournes visible across the sea.
Quick facts
- Height
- 491m/ 1611ft
- Grid ref
- NR 42998 56458
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 60% · rocky slopes 25% · grass slopes 15%
The standard line begins from Ardtalla on the east coast and follows the deer fence north-west to the open hill. There is no path; the going is rough but never technical. Round trip 4-5 hours.
Terrain
Wet heather, peat and tussocks throughout. Some firmer rocky ground close to the summit cairn. Boots and gaiters strongly recommended.
In winter
Islay winters are wild but rarely cold enough for prolonged snow. Storms, not ice, are the main winter obstacle. Pick a calm day and the walk is straightforward.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 47m
- Edinburgh8h 32m
Ferry access
Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura)
- Crossing time145 min
- Summer sailingsIslay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day
- Winter sailingsIslay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular
- Book ahead21 days
- Last ferry backLast Jura ferry ~17:00; last Islay sailing varies — check both timetables
Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
Book on ferry operator ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 60, OS Explorer 352
Mobile signal: Poor. No EE signal; Islay's remote moorland has limited coverage inland.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:39
- Sunset
- 22:11
- Civil dawn
- 03:38
- Civil dusk
- 23:12
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Beinn Bheigier on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Bheigier — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Bheigier?
- Beinn Bheigier is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Wet heather, peat and tussocks throughout.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Bheigier?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Bheigier 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 Bheigier?
- 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 Bheigier?
- Poor. No EE signal; Islay's remote moorland has limited coverage inland.
- How do I get the ferry to Beinn Bheigier?
- Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura). Islay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day in summer; Islay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular in winter. Book at least 21 days ahead. Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
- Is Beinn Bheigier safe in winter?
- Islay winters are wild but rarely cold enough for prolonged snow. Storms, not ice, are the main winter obstacle. Pick a calm day and the walk is straightforward.
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