Beinn a' Bheithir from Ballachulish
A horseshoe of two Munros above Loch Leven, with a narrow ridge and views to the sea.
- Distance
- 14.9 km
- Ascent
- 1370 m
- Time
- 6–8 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 1024 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Beinn a' Bheithir from Ballachulish is a hard 14.9 km circular walk with 1,370 m of ascent, taking 6 to 8 hours. It starts at Ballachulish village (grid reference NN 081 582). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Sgorr Dhearg (Beinn a' Bheithir) at 1,024 m. The start can be reached by public transport.
Beinn a' Bheithir, 'the mountain of the thunderbolt', rises above Ballachulish with its two Munros, Sgorr Dhearg and Sgorr Dhonuill, linked by a curving ridge. The route climbs from Ballachulish village onto the east ridge to Sgorr Dhearg.
The ridge to Sgorr Dhonuill is narrow and rocky in places, with views over Loch Linnhe to the hills of Ardgour. The descent returns through the forest of Gleann a' Chaolais.
Route
-
1
Onto the ridge
Climb south from the village up the steep slopes onto the east ridge of Sgorr Dhearg.
-
2
Sgorr Dhearg
Follow the ridge to the summit of Sgorr Dhearg.
-
3
Sgorr Dhonuill and down
Follow the narrow ridge west to Sgorr Dhonuill, then return to the col and descend north through the forest.
Summits
Sgorr Dhearg (Beinn a' Bheithir)
1024 m
Sgorr Dhonuill (Beinn a' Bheithir)
1002 m
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does Beinn a' Bheithir from Ballachulish take?
- Most walkers take 6–8 hours for the 14.9 km route, which has 1,370 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Ballachulish village (grid reference NN 081 582). Parking in the village; please park considerately.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Citylink and local buses to Ballachulish. Check times on Traveline Scotland.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Steep path onto the ridge; narrow, rocky sections; forest tracks on the descent.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Sgorr Dhearg (Beinn a' Bheithir) (1024 m, Munro); Sgorr Dhonuill (Beinn a' Bheithir) (1002 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Deer stalking takes place on these hills from mid-August to October. Stick to the main paths and check Heading for the Scottish Hills before you go.
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