Munro · Cairngorms
Beinn Mheadhoin
Beinn Mheadhoin (1182m) is a prominent mountain in the Cairngorms massif, Britain's highest and most arctic mountain landscape. Its 254m of re-ascent gives it a distinct identity — this is no subsidiary top but a hill worth visiting in its own right. The summit, marked by rock tor, gives views of the vast Cairngorm plateau, Speyside and the Moray Firth. The nearest town is Inverness in Moray.
Gaelic: “mountain, peak” · Pronunciation: bine
Quick facts
- Height
- 1182m/ 3881ft
- Distance
- 19 km
- Ascent
- 1041 m
- Time
- 5.5 hrs
- Difficulty
- 4 / 5Strenuous
- Grid ref
- NJ024016
- Parking
- NJ007006
- Nearest city
- Inverness
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 19km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 19km with 1041m of total ascent — a long and demanding day. Lower slopes cross ancient Caledonian pine forest and heather moor. Higher up, the terrain changes to granite plateau and boulder fields with arctic-alpine vegetation. Well-maintained paths in popular corries give way to featureless plateau above — compass work is critical in cloud. The summit is marked by rock tor.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Well-maintained paths in popular corries give way to featureless plateau above — compass work is critical in cloud. The connecting ridges to adjacent hills are well-defined but involve noticeable re-ascent.
In winter
In winter, Beinn Mheadhoin is a serious proposition. Arctic conditions are possible year-round above 900m. The plateau is one of the most dangerous places in Britain in winter — whiteout, cornices and wind chill below -20°C are regular occurrences. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 2m
- Edinburgh3h 46m
OS maps: OS Landranger 36
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:41
- Sunset
- 20:44
- Civil dawn
- 04:57
- Civil dusk
- 21:28
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026