How hard is Glas Bheinn?

We grade Glas Bheinn at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Underfoot: Surprisingly well-drained turf on the upper slopes thanks to the limestone bedrock.

What is Glas Bheinn's prominence?

208m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Glas Bheinn to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.

When is the best time to climb Glas Bheinn?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Glas Bheinn. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.

Is Glas Bheinn dog-friendly?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How do I get the ferry to Glas Bheinn?

Kennacraig → Port Askaig or Port Ellen. 2–3 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1–2 sailings daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Becky Williamson / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Argyll & Bute

Glas Bheinn

Glas Bheinn on Islay is the close neighbour of Beinn Bheigier — a 472m hill on the same wild eastern moorland. Its limestone-influenced geology gives surprisingly green, drained turf in contrast to the boggy approach.

Gaelic: “grey-green” · Pronunciation: glass bheinn

Quick facts

Height: 472m/ 1549ft
Prominence: 208 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NR 42977 59196
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

limestone grassland 40% · heather moorland 40% · rocky outcrops 20%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Often combined with Beinn Bheigier from Ardtalla, taking the ridge link between the two summits. As a stand-alone ascent allow 3-4 hours. There is no path either way.

Terrain

Surprisingly well-drained turf on the upper slopes thanks to the limestone bedrock. The approach moor is wetter and tussockier.

In winter

Snow is unusual on Islay. The bigger risk is high wind on the exposed upper ridge — gales of 60mph are not unusual in winter and make the summit untenable.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Glas Bheinn. 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

Glasgow5h 47m
Edinburgh8h 32m

Ferry access

Kennacraig → Port Askaig or Port Ellen

Crossing time135 min
Summer sailings2–3 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
Winter sailings1–2 sailings daily (Nov–Mar)
Book ahead14 days
Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable

Book on CalMac ↗

OS maps: OS Landranger 60, OS Explorer 352

Mobile signal: Moderate. Islay; EE reliable near Bowmore.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

16h 43mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:52
Sunset: 21:07
Civil dawn: 05:08
Civil dusk: 21:51

NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 August 2026

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Around Glas Bheinn on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Campbeltown

Kintyre Way finish; Mull of Kintyre; whisky town

48km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Caol Ila

Islay east coast — lighter Islay style; views across the Sound of Islay to Jura

11km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Glas Bheinn — common questions

How hard is Glas Bheinn?: We grade Glas Bheinn at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Underfoot: Surprisingly well-drained turf on the upper slopes thanks to the limestone bedrock.
What is Glas Bheinn's prominence?: 208m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Glas Bheinn to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.
When is the best time to climb Glas Bheinn?: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Glas Bheinn. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
Is Glas Bheinn dog-friendly?: 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 Glas Bheinn?: Moderate. Islay; EE reliable near Bowmore.
How do I get the ferry to Glas Bheinn?: Kennacraig → Port Askaig or Port Ellen. 2–3 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1–2 sailings daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead.
Is Glas Bheinn safe in winter?: Snow is unusual on Islay. The bigger risk is high wind on the exposed upper ridge — gales of 60mph are not unusual in winter and make the summit untenable.

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