Munro · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Beinn Fhionnlaidh
Beinn Fhionnlaidh (959m) — the Glen Creran version, not the Glen Affric Munro of the same name — is a remote Munro in the upper Glen Creran country south of Glencoe. The hill is a long whaleback ridge connecting east to Sgùrr na h-Ulaidh. The summit sits in genuinely quiet country with views west to the Firth of Lorn and east into the heart of the Glen Coe peaks. Often climbed alone via the long Gleann an Fhiodh approach.
Quick facts
- Height
- 959m/ 3146ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 844 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN095497
- Parking
- NN036489
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Remote approach path 40% · Open hillside 35% · Summit 25%
Park at Elleric at the head of Glen Creran. Walk north up Gleann Fhaolain on the rough estate track, then climb the steep south ridge of Beinn Fhionnlaidh directly to the summit ridge. The summit cairn sits on a small rocky outcrop. Most parties return reverse-traverse. Around 18km return with 990m of ascent — a long walk for a single Munro, with no realistic option to combine with another.
Terrain
The Elleric estate landrover track is firm for the opening section of the approach. Above the woods the south ridge climbs sustained steep grass and broken rock with only a thin braided path. The summit ridge is broad mossy turf, the outcrop cairn marking the high point. The hill is trackless above the estate road; the long return is tedious in poor weather.
In winter
A committing west-coast winter day, the long approach being the main consideration. Westerly storms wind-load the south ridge with snow. The Glen Creran road can drift but the A828 corridor at Loch Creran stays gritted. Mobile reception absent on the hill. SAIS Glencoe applies as the closest formal forecast.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 5m
- Edinburgh3h 57m
OS maps: OS Landranger 50
Mobile signal: No signal in remote Glen Affric. No coverage from the Cluanie Inn onwards on the northern approach. Download maps at home.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:33
- Sunset
- 22:06
- Civil dawn
- 03:30
- Civil dusk
- 23:08
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Around Beinn Fhionnlaidh on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Loch Awe station
East shore Loch Awe; Ben Cruachan; Kilchurn Castle
22km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Fort William
Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber
24km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William — Lochaber distillery at the foot of the Ben; long-aged Japanese-owned classics
26km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Beinn Fhionnlaidh — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Fhionnlaidh?
- Beinn Fhionnlaidh is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 844m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Elleric estate landrover track is firm for the opening section of the approach.
- Where do I park for Beinn Fhionnlaidh?
- Standard parking is at NN036489 near Fort William. 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 Fhionnlaidh?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Fhionnlaidh 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 Fhionnlaidh?
- 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 Fhionnlaidh?
- No signal in remote Glen Affric. No coverage from the Cluanie Inn onwards on the northern approach. Download maps at home.
- Is Beinn Fhionnlaidh safe in winter?
- A committing west-coast winter day, the long approach being the main consideration. Westerly storms wind-load the south ridge with snow. The Glen Creran road can drift but the A828 corridor at Loch Creran stays gritted. Mobile reception absent on the hill. SAIS Glencoe applies as the closest formal forecast.
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