How hard is Beinn Mhor?

We grade Beinn Mhor at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Sheep-grazed pasture and bracken near the start, with patches of greasy rock on the final knoll.

How prominent is Beinn Mhor?

Beinn Mhor has 162m 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 Mhor?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Mhor 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 Mhor?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Mick Garratt / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Argyll

Beinn Mhor

Despite its grand name — Big Hill — this Beinn Mhor reaches only 194m above Loch Melfort, yet still earns Marilyn status. From the top a tangle of sea lochs, islets and skerries on the Craignish coastline lies spread below.

Gaelic: “mountain, big” · Pronunciation: bine vore

Quick facts

Height: 194m/ 636ft
Prominence: 162 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NM 79842 21579
Nearest city: Oban· 10km
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 55% · grass slopes 30% · rocky summit 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A track from near Arduaine climbs through mixed woodland and rhododendron to gain open ground, with a final scramble onto the rocky summit knoll. Roughly two hours return.

Terrain

Sheep-grazed pasture and bracken near the start, with patches of greasy rock on the final knoll. Damp moss and lichen call for sticky soles.

In winter

Coastal position keeps snow at bay; the rocky top can be slick after rain or frost. Pleasant on a calm winter afternoon.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Beinn Mhor. 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 37m
Edinburgh6h 13m

OS maps: OS Landranger 49, OS Explorer 359

Mobile signal: Poor. Craignish/Loch Melfort area; intermittent coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

16h 49mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:47
Sunset: 21:07
Civil dawn: 05:03
Civil dusk: 21:52

NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 August 2026

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Around Beinn Mhor on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Oban station

Argyll ferry hub; Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra connections

10km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Oban

Argyll ferry hub — Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra

10km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Oban

Oban town centre — tiny two-still distillery bridging Highland and West Coast styles

10km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Beinn Mhor — common questions

How hard is Beinn Mhor?: We grade Beinn Mhor at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Sheep-grazed pasture and bracken near the start, with patches of greasy rock on the final knoll.
How prominent is Beinn Mhor?: Beinn Mhor has 162m 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 Mhor?: The standard good-weather months for Beinn Mhor 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 Mhor?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Beinn Mhor?: Poor. Craignish/Loch Melfort area; intermittent coverage.
Is Beinn Mhor safe in winter?: Coastal position keeps snow at bay; the rocky top can be slick after rain or frost. Pleasant on a calm winter afternoon.

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