Munro · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Binnein Beag
Binnein Beag (943m) — "small peak" — is the smaller eastern companion of Binnein Mòr in the Mamores, sitting north of its bigger neighbour above Loch Eilde Mòr. The hill has a distinctive pointed quartzite summit cone — far more dramatic than its modest height suggests. Most often climbed with Binnein Mòr or Sgùrr Eilde Mòr on a long eastern Mamores day from Kinlochleven.
Gaelic: “pointed peak, small” · Pronunciation: bin-yayn bek
Quick facts
- Height
- 943m/ 3094ft
- Prominence
- 197 m
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 830 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN221677
- Parking
- NN187622
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 13km
- 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 track 30% · Open hillside 40% · Rocky summit 30%
Start from Mamore Lodge above Kinlochleven. Take the high stalkers' path east along the south flank of the Mamores, past Loch Eilde Mòr to the small lochan beneath Binnein Beag. Climb the steep west scree cone directly to the small summit cairn. Most parties combine with Binnein Mòr to the south or Sgùrr Eilde Mòr to the east. Around 22km return with 1300m of ascent for Binnein Beag + Sgùrr Eilde Mòr.
Terrain
The Mamore Lodge access road is private — public footpath access only. The high contouring path beneath the southern Mamores is exceptionally well-restored stalkers' track. The west scree cone of Binnein Beag is loose, slippery quartzite — unpleasant on the descent. The summit area is a small cairn with an embedded rock at the high point. The connecting line to Binnein Mòr is rough and undulating.
In winter
A serious eastern Mamores winter day. Under snow the west scree cone of Binnein Beag becomes a steep snow climb. Persistent cornices form along the northern and eastern margins of the summit ridge. The high contouring path along the Mamores is exposed to driven snow. The Kinlochleven approach is reliably accessible. SAIS Lochaber applies. Phone signal absent above 700m.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 19m
- Edinburgh3h 58m
OS maps: OS Landranger 41
Mobile signal: Dead above 700m. Kinlochleven village has reasonable 4G. The approach paths along Loch Eilde Mor are out of range. Offline maps essential.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:02
- Sunset
- 21:50
- Civil dawn
- 04:08
- Civil dusk
- 22:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Binnein Beag.
Around Binnein Beag on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Fort William station
Ben Nevis, Mamores, Aonachs, Knoydart ferry connection
13km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Fort William
Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber
13km 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
13km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Binnein Beag — common questions
- How hard is Binnein Beag?
- We grade Binnein Beag at 4/5, which puts it in challenging territory. The usual route is around 16km with 830m of climbing; allow 5-8 hours. Underfoot: The Mamore Lodge access road is private — public footpath access only.
- What is Binnein Beag's prominence?
- 197m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Binnein Beag to the next higher ground.
- Where do I park for Binnein Beag?
- Most walkers start from NN187622. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Binnein Beag?
- May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Binnein Beag. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Binnein Beag dog-friendly?
- 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 Binnein Beag?
- Dead above 700m. Kinlochleven village has reasonable 4G. The approach paths along Loch Eilde Mor are out of range. Offline maps essential.
- Is Binnein Beag safe in winter?
- A serious eastern Mamores winter day. Under snow the west scree cone of Binnein Beag becomes a steep snow climb. Persistent cornices form along the northern and eastern margins of the summit ridge. The high contouring path along the Mamores is exposed to driven snow. The Kinlochleven approach is reliably accessible. SAIS Lochaber applies. Phone signal absent above 700m.
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