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
- Prominence
- 343 m
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 844 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN148405
- Parking
- NN137468
- Nearest city
- Oban· 31km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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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: Nothing above 700m in Glen Etive. Preload mapping before the run down the long Glen Etive road.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:04
- Sunset
- 21:49
- Civil dawn
- 04:10
- Civil dusk
- 22:43
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 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 difficult is Beinn nan Aighenan?
- Beinn nan Aighenan carries a 3/5 (moderately challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 17km, 844m of ascent and a 5-8 hour day on the standard route. Ground conditions: The Allt Mheuran approach is rough boggy ground in places.
- How much drop does Beinn nan Aighenan have?
- The drop is 343m: measured from the summit of Beinn nan Aighenan down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for Beinn nan Aighenan?
- Park at NN137468. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
- What's the best month to climb Beinn nan Aighenan?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September, October on Beinn nan Aighenan. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Beinn nan Aighenan?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Beinn nan Aighenan?
- Nothing above 700m in Glen Etive. Preload mapping before the run 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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