Munro · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Beinn nan Aighenan
Beinn nan Aighenan (960m) — "hill of the hinds" — is a quiet, hidden Munro in the upper Glen Etive country, somewhat overshadowed by its more famous neighbours Ben Starav and Glas Bheinn Mhòr. The hill is most often added to a long Glen Etive day after climbing the Starav round, but can also be reached as a standalone via the Allt Mheuran. Its remoteness keeps the summit quiet even at peak season.
Quick facts
- Height
- 959m/ 3146ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 844 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN148405
- Parking
- NN137468
- Nearest city
- Oban
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Glen road / track 35% · Open hillside 40% · Summit 25%
Park near Coileitir at the head of Loch Etive. Cross the Etive river footbridge and take the Allt Mheuran path north into Glen Ceitlein. The standard line involves climbing Ben Starav and Glas Bheinn Mhòr first, then making a long out-and-back south-east over the bealach to Beinn nan Aighenan — adds significant time. Alternatively a direct line from the Allt Mheuran via Coire nan Cnamh climbs the south ridge. Around 18km with 1300m of ascent for a Starav + Aighenan combination.
Terrain
The Allt Mheuran approach is rough boggy ground in places. Beinn nan Aighenan's south ridge climbs sustained heathery hillside with no real path. The upper slopes turn to short grass and broken rock, capped by a small boulder marking the summit. The bealach connecting to Glas Bheinn Mhòr is broad and grassy. The descent off Beinn nan Aighenan to the Allt Mheuran is steep grass.
In winter
A serious Glen Etive winter day. The south ridge holds wind-loaded snow after westerly storms. The bealach connecting to the Starav round drifts heavily and the long out-and-back in winter daylight is significant commitment. Glen Etive's narrow single-track road can drift shut; mobile reception is absent the length of the glen. SAIS Glencoe applies.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 51m
- Edinburgh3h 45m
OS maps: OS Landranger 50
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m in Glen Etive. Download maps before the drive down the long Glen Etive road.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:33
- Sunset
- 22:05
- Civil dawn
- 03:31
- Civil dusk
- 23:07
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Beinn nan Aighenan.
Around Beinn nan Aighenan on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn nan Aighenan — common questions
- How hard is Beinn nan Aighenan?
- Beinn nan Aighenan is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 844m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Allt Mheuran approach is rough boggy ground in places.
- Where do I park for Beinn nan Aighenan?
- Standard parking is at NN137468 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 nan Aighenan?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn nan Aighenan 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 nan Aighenan?
- 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 nan Aighenan?
- No signal above 700m in Glen Etive. Download maps before the drive down the long Glen Etive road.
- Is Beinn nan Aighenan safe in winter?
- A serious Glen Etive winter day. The south ridge holds wind-loaded snow after westerly storms. The bealach connecting to the Starav round drifts heavily and the long out-and-back in winter daylight is significant commitment. Glen Etive's narrow single-track road can drift shut; mobile reception is absent the length of the glen. SAIS Glencoe applies.
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