What difficulty is Beinn Ghuilean?

On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Beinn Ghuilean comes in at 1/5 — easy. Terrain: Surfaced forest paths and gravel tracks throughout, with a short heather section to the cairn.

How prominent is Beinn Ghuilean?

Beinn Ghuilean has 276m 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 Ghuilean?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Ghuilean 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 Ghuilean?

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

By Gary

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Argyll & Bute

Beinn Ghuilean

Beinn Ghuilean stands at 354m directly above Campbeltown, a familiar backdrop to the town and its loch. Once a Forestry Commission viewpoint, the hill remains popular with locals taking the well-signed forest paths.

Quick facts

Height: 354m/ 1161ft
Prominence: 276 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NR 72938 17075
Nearest city: Glasgow· 99km
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 moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Marked forest trails climb from the Beinn Ghuilean car park on the south edge of Campbeltown to a summit viewpoint with interpretation boards. About two hours circuit.

Terrain

Surfaced forest paths and gravel tracks throughout, with a short heather section to the cairn. Family-friendly in dry weather.

In winter

Snow rarely settles. Forest tracks remain walkable year-round though ice can form in sheltered hollows.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Beinn Ghuilean. 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 West 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

Glasgow4h 40m
Edinburgh6h 22m

OS maps: OS Landranger 68, OS Explorer 356S

Mobile signal: Poor. signal drops on the approach; Kintyre's spine road is far away.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 06mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:52
Sunset: 19:44
Civil dawn: 06:15
Civil dusk: 20:21

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Beinn Ghuilean on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Ardrossan Harbour station

Ferry to Brodick (Arran) — Goat Fell, Arran ridge

55km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Campbeltown

Kintyre Way finish; Mull of Kintyre; whisky town

4km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Springbank

Campbeltown — cult, family-owned, every step on site from floor malt to bottle

4km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Beinn Ghuilean — common questions

What difficulty is Beinn Ghuilean?: On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Beinn Ghuilean comes in at 1/5 — easy. Terrain: Surfaced forest paths and gravel tracks throughout, with a short heather section to the cairn.
How prominent is Beinn Ghuilean?: Beinn Ghuilean has 276m 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 Ghuilean?: The standard good-weather months for Beinn Ghuilean 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 Ghuilean?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Beinn Ghuilean?: Poor. signal drops on the approach; Kintyre's spine road is far away.
Is Beinn Ghuilean safe in winter?: Snow rarely settles. Forest tracks remain walkable year-round though ice can form in sheltered hollows.

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