Marilyn · kintail
Beinn Dubh an Iaruinn
Beinn Dubh an Iaruinn — the black hill of the iron — rises to 591m at NH 182 392 in the high ground between Strathconon and Glen Carron. The name probably points to ironstone or iron-rich rock once worked or noted in the area; the eastern face does show rust-stained outcrops.
Gaelic: “mountain, black, the” · Pronunciation: bine doo an iaruinn
Quick facts
- Height
- 591m/ 1939ft
- Grid ref
- NH 18234 39214
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 49km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather moorland 55% · rocky slopes 30% · grass slopes 15%
Approach from the Strathconon road at Inverchoran or Scardroy. The estate track gives easy initial progress before pathless heather leads onto the broad northern shoulder and so to the summit cairn. Around 5 hours all-in.
Terrain
Vehicle track for the lower section, then a long stretch of heathery slopes with peat hags on the broad northern shoulder. The summit area is firmer with patches of moss campion and ironstone outcrops.
In winter
Snow can pile up on the lee eastern face after westerly storms while the western approach lies bare. The featureless top is the trap — careful pacing and bearings are essential when cloud is on.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 29m
- Edinburgh6h 4m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25, OS Explorer 430
Mobile signal: Poor. Signal absent throughout; remote Ross-shire glen has no coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:22
- Sunset
- 22:20
- Civil dawn
- 03:11
- Civil dusk
- 23:30
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Beinn Dubh an Iaruinn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Dubh an Iaruinn — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Dubh an Iaruinn?
- Beinn Dubh an Iaruinn is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Vehicle track for the lower section, then a long stretch of heathery slopes with peat hags on the broad northern shoulder.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Dubh an Iaruinn?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Dubh an Iaruinn 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 Dubh an Iaruinn?
- 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 Dubh an Iaruinn?
- Poor. Signal absent throughout; remote Ross-shire glen has no coverage.
- Is Beinn Dubh an Iaruinn safe in winter?
- Snow can pile up on the lee eastern face after westerly storms while the western approach lies bare. The featureless top is the trap — careful pacing and bearings are essential when cloud is on.
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