Munro · North-West Highlands
Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich
Beinn Liath Mhòr Fannaich (954m) — "big grey hill of the Fannaichs", distinguishing it from the Achnashellach Beinn Liath Mhòr — is one of the central Fannaich Munros, sitting on the long curving ridge that walls in the south side of Loch Fannich. The hill is most often climbed alongside the higher Sgùrr Mòr (Fannich) and An Coileachan as part of a long Fannaich ridge round from the A835 in the north.
Gaelic: “mountain, grey, big” · Pronunciation: bine lee-ah vore fannaich
Quick facts
- Height
- 954.2m/ 3131ft
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 840 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH219724
- Parking
- NH274751
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 52km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Moorland path 35% · Open hillside 40% · Summit ridge 25%
Park at the small lay-by at Loch Droma on the A835 west of Garve. Walk south along the access track past Loch Droma and onto the broad ridge that climbs gently south. Climb Beinn Liath Mhòr Fannaich via its broad north-east ridge to the small summit cairn. Most parties extend west to Sgùrr Mòr and the central Fannaichs. Around 17km return with 1100m of ascent for Beinn Liath Mhòr alone.
Terrain
The Loch Droma access track is firm landrover surface. Above the loch the going is rough heathery moor with no clear path. The north-east ridge of Beinn Liath Mhòr Fannaich is broad mossy turf with rocky outcrops — easy walking. A small flat-topped cairn sits at the high point on an exposed expanse of mossy turf. The connecting ridge west to Sgùrr Mòr is broad with peat hags in the bealach.
In winter
A serious central Fannaichs winter day. The flat broad summit drifts heavily and the lengthy approach in shortened winter daylight is committing. The A835 corridor at Loch Droma stays gritted. Cornicing on the corries below the summit ridge is consistent. Mobile reception absent on the hill. 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 2m
- Edinburgh4h 18m
OS maps: OS Landranger 20
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m. Achnasheen or Garve has 4G. Download maps before the drive.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:23
- Sunset
- 22:14
- Civil dawn
- 03:15
- Civil dusk
- 23:23
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich.
Around Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich?
- Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 16km with 840m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Loch Droma access track is firm landrover surface.
- Where do I park for Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich?
- Standard parking is at NH274751 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 Liath Mhor Fannaich?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich 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 Liath Mhor Fannaich?
- 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 Liath Mhor Fannaich?
- No signal above 700m. Achnasheen or Garve has 4G. Download maps before the drive.
- Is Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich safe in winter?
- A serious central Fannaichs winter day. The flat broad summit drifts heavily and the lengthy approach in shortened winter daylight is committing. The A835 corridor at Loch Droma stays gritted. Cornicing on the corries below the summit ridge is consistent. Mobile reception absent on the hill. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
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