Munro · Arrochar & Trossachs
Beinn Dubhchraig
Beinn Dubhchraig (978m) — "hill of the dark crag" — is the easternmost of the three Tyndrum Munros (with Ben Oss and Ben Lui), forming the long crest of summits south of Strath Fillan. The lower slopes cross some of the finest surviving Caledonian pinewood in the Highlands — Coille Coire Chuilc near Coninish farm. Often climbed alongside Ben Oss for a long two-Munro day, or as a quieter standalone from the West Highland Way at Coninish.
Quick facts
- Height
- 978.6m/ 3211ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 861 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN307254
- Parking
- NN343291
- Nearest city
- Oban
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Coninish track / pinewood 35% · Open hillside 40% · Summit 25%
Park at the small lay-by near the Coninish farm road off the A82 just south-east of Tyndrum village. Head south briefly along the West Highland Way, then west on the Coninish farm track. Climb the steep north ridge of Beinn Dubhchraig directly through the Coille Coire Chuilc pinewood and onto open hillside. Most parties continue west to Ben Oss via the broad bealach. Around 19km with 1300m of ascent for the pair; Beinn Dubhchraig alone is 14km with 850m up.
Terrain
The Coninish farm track is firm landrover surface for a kilometre, then the path turns south through the Coille Coire Chuilc native pinewood — wet and rooty in places. Past the pines the going becomes coarse heather and broken mica-schist on a definite path. A short steep grass cone leads to a small cairn at the summit. The connecting ridge west to Ben Oss is broad mossy turf with a gentle bealach.
In winter
A reasonable mid-grade winter Munro by Southern Highlands standards. The pinewood approach can be wet. The summit ridge gathers wind-blown snow but rarely produces avalanche-prone slopes. Persistent cornicing builds along the north flanks of the linking ridges through winter. The A82 corridor stays gritted and Tyndrum makes a useful winter base. The closest official avalanche forecast is SAIS Southern Cairngorms.
This hill is in the Southern Highlands SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 35m
- Edinburgh2h 18m
OS maps: OS Landranger 50
Mobile signal: Reasonable signal at Tyndrum. Signal weakens above 700m. Download maps before setting off.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:33
- Sunset
- 22:03
- Civil dawn
- 03:31
- Civil dusk
- 23:04
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Beinn Dubhchraig.
On a long-distance route
Beinn Dubhchraig sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Beinn Dubhchraig on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Dubhchraig — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Dubhchraig?
- Beinn Dubhchraig is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 861m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Coninish farm track is firm landrover surface for a kilometre, then the path turns south through the Coille Coire Chuilc native pinewood — wet and rooty in places.
- Where do I park for Beinn Dubhchraig?
- Standard parking is at NN343291 near Oban. 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 Dubhchraig?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Dubhchraig are 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 Dubhchraig?
- 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 Dubhchraig?
- Reasonable signal at Tyndrum. Signal weakens above 700m. Download maps before setting off.
- Is Beinn Dubhchraig safe in winter?
- A reasonable mid-grade winter Munro by Southern Highlands standards. The pinewood approach can be wet. The summit ridge gathers wind-blown snow but rarely produces avalanche-prone slopes. Persistent cornicing builds along the north flanks of the linking ridges through winter. The A82 corridor stays gritted and Tyndrum makes a useful winter base. The closest official avalanche forecast is SAIS Southern Cairngorms.
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