Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Beinn Dubhain
Beinn Dubhain — possibly "wee dark hill" — is a 417m heathery dome in the NC93 grid square south of Kinbrace, deep in the Langwell-Helmsdale watershed. North-West Highlands summit at 417 m.
Quick facts
- Height
- 417m/ 1368ft
- Grid ref
- NC 93682 20704
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 80km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
Park at the head of the Helmsdale strath near Kildonan, then follow estate tracks west and pull onto the southern flank of the hill. Allow 4-5 hours.
Terrain
Coarse heather and dark peat give the hill its name. Lower slopes are crossed by old grouse butts and tracks; the cairn sits on a small mossy rise.
In winter
Short days are the chief winter concern. Snow rarely lies deep but ground ice on the track makes the bike-in approach risky.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 4m
- Edinburgh6h 57m
OS maps: OS Landranger 17, OS Explorer 444W
Mobile signal: Poor. No signal. Remote North-West Sutherland is largely off-grid.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:10
- Sunset
- 22:22
- Civil dawn
- 02:53
- Civil dusk
- 23:38
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Beinn Dubhain on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Dubhain — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Dubhain?
- Beinn Dubhain is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Coarse heather and dark peat give the hill its name.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Dubhain?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Dubhain 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 Dubhain?
- 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 Dubhain?
- Poor. No signal. Remote North-West Sutherland is largely off-grid.
- Is Beinn Dubhain safe in winter?
- Short days are the chief winter concern. Snow rarely lies deep but ground ice on the track makes the bike-in approach risky.
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