Marilyn · Argyll
Glas Bheinn
Glas Bheinn — the Grey-Green Hill — sits at 562m on southern Jura just inland from the Sound of Islay. Quartzite slabs catch the light from miles away, lending the hill a paler, almost alpine look amid the heather wilderness.
Gaelic: “grey-green” · Pronunciation: glass bheinn
Quick facts
- Height
- 562m/ 1844ft
- Grid ref
- NR 50038 69895
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
quartzite moorland 45% · heather moorland 35% · boggy ground 20%
Begin from the A846 near Keils and follow open moorland north-west, gaining height steadily over awkward ground. The summit lies on the third or fourth false top. Round trip 5-6 hours.
Terrain
Pale quartzite scree and slabs above; deep heather and bog below. Some of the scree shifts underfoot and demands care on descent.
In winter
Snow flecking the quartzite slabs is unusual but striking when it occurs. Winter access is feasible in calm weather; gales make the exposed upper slopes uncomfortable.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 31m
- Edinburgh7h 16m
Ferry access
Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura)
- Crossing time145 min
- Summer sailingsIslay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day
- Winter sailingsIslay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular
- Book ahead21 days
- Last ferry backLast Jura ferry ~17:00; last Islay sailing varies — check both timetables
Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
Book on ferry operator ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 61, OS Explorer 355S
Mobile signal: Very poor. Jura; limited coverage away from Craighouse.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:41
- Sunset
- 22:13
- Civil dawn
- 03:39
- Civil dusk
- 23:15
NOAA Solar Calculator · 27 June 2026
Around Glas Bheinn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Glas Bheinn — common questions
- How hard is Glas Bheinn?
- Glas Bheinn is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Pale quartzite scree and slabs above; deep heather and bog below.
- When is the best time to climb Glas Bheinn?
- The standard good-weather months for Glas Bheinn 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 Glas Bheinn?
- 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?
- Very poor. Jura; limited coverage away from Craighouse.
- How do I get the ferry to Glas Bheinn?
- Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura). Islay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day in summer; Islay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular in winter. Book at least 21 days ahead. Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
- Is Glas Bheinn safe in winter?
- Snow flecking the quartzite slabs is unusual but striking when it occurs. Winter access is feasible in calm weather; gales make the exposed upper slopes uncomfortable.
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