Munro · North-West Highlands
Beinn Dearg
This Beinn Dearg — "red hill", not the Torridon Corbett of the same name — is the 1084m Munro that dominates the south side of Loch Broom, the highest peak in the rough country south of Ullapool. An exceptional 810m of topographic prominence makes it among the most isolated summits in the Northern Highlands, with a striking summit cairn on a small rocky platform and views in every direction. The hill is the gateway to the Beinn Dearg group of four Munros, often climbed together on a long Inverlael round.
Gaelic: “mountain, red” · Pronunciation: bine jerr-ak
Quick facts
- Height
- 1084m/ 3556ft
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 954 m
- Time
- 7–10 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH259811
- Parking
- NH183852
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 54km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Forest track 30% · Glen path 30% · Summit plateau 40%
The standard line is from Inverlael at the head of Loch Broom on the A835, taking the path south up Gleann na Sguaib to the bealach below Beinn Dearg. From the bealach climb the broad south ridge to the summit. Around 18km return with 954m of ascent. Most parties combine Beinn Dearg with Cona Mheall via the connecting bealach, or extend to all four Beinn Dearg Munros for a major day.
Terrain
The Gleann na Sguaib path is firm gravel for most of its length. The climb onto the bealach is steep grass and broken rock. The summit ridge is short heather and stones — broad ground with no exposure. The drop east to Cona Mheall involves a steep descent with one short rocky step. Watch the cliffs above Coire Ghranda — unfenced and edge-undercut.
In winter
A major winter mountain. The Coire Ghranda face holds Grade III-V winter routes including the classic Penguin Gully. Cornicing on the corrie rim is consistent. The Inverlael road from the A835 is gritted. Phone signal is absent above the glen. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 12m
- Edinburgh4h 25m
OS maps: OS Landranger 20
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m in the Inverlael Forest. Garve or Ullapool has 4G. Download maps before the drive.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:23
- Sunset
- 22:14
- Civil dawn
- 03:13
- Civil dusk
- 23:24
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Beinn Dearg.
Around Beinn Dearg on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Dearg — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Dearg?
- Beinn Dearg is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 18km with 954m of ascent and takes most walkers 7-10 hours. Terrain: The Gleann na Sguaib path is firm gravel for most of its length.
- Where do I park for Beinn Dearg?
- Standard parking is at NH183852 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Dearg?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Dearg are May, June, July, August, September. 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 Dearg?
- 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 Dearg?
- No signal above 700m in the Inverlael Forest. Garve or Ullapool has 4G. Download maps before the drive.
- Is Beinn Dearg safe in winter?
- A major winter mountain. The Coire Ghranda face holds Grade III-V winter routes including the classic Penguin Gully. Cornicing on the corrie rim is consistent. The Inverlael road from the A835 is gritted. Phone signal is absent above the glen. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
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