Marilyn · skye
Beinn nan Carn
Beinn nan Carn is a 301m gentle summit on the Sleat peninsula of south Skye, set among native birch and oak woodland — a rare habitat for a Scottish Marilyn. The walk feels more lowland forest than Highland hill.
Quick facts
- Height
- 301m/ 988ft
- Grid ref
- NG 63607 18079
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 55% · rocky slopes 30% · grass slopes 15%
Start from the minor road near Tarskavaig or Ord and climb through woodland onto rough pasture and heather. About 5 km return with steady but never steep gradient.
Terrain
Mossy woodland floor on lower ground, opening to rough pasture with bracken in summer. The summit area is small heathery knolls with occasional cairns.
In winter
Sheltered woodland approach is welcome in wet winter weather. Snow rare at this elevation but the bracken die-back makes winter visibility better.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 31m
- Edinburgh8h 45m
OS maps: OS Landranger 32, OS Explorer 412
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Inner Hebrides island; no EE or Vodafone signal.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:27
- Sunset
- 22:22
- Civil dawn
- 03:18
- Civil dusk
- 23:31
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Beinn nan Carn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Kyle of Lochalsh station
Skye Bridge; Five Sisters of Kintail; Glen Shiel; Plockton
15km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Mallaig
Ferry port for Skye and the Small Isles; CWT finish supply
22km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Isle of Raasay Distillery
Raasay — new island distillery with rooms; Dun Caan walks from the door
21km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Beinn nan Carn — common questions
- How hard is Beinn nan Carn?
- Beinn nan Carn is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Mossy woodland floor on lower ground, opening to rough pasture with bracken in summer.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn nan Carn?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn nan Carn 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 nan Carn?
- 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 nan Carn?
- Poor. Remote Inner Hebrides island; no EE or Vodafone signal.
- Is Beinn nan Carn safe in winter?
- Sheltered woodland approach is welcome in wet winter weather. Snow rare at this elevation but the bracken die-back makes winter visibility better.
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