Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil from Dalwhinnie
One of the most remote big mountains in Scotland: a huge plateau reached by a very long walk in.
- Distance
- 47.9 km
- Ascent
- 1790 m
- Time
- 14–19 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 1148 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
Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil from Dalwhinnie is a hard 47.9 km circular walk with 1,790 m of ascent, taking 14 to 19 hours. It starts at Dalwhinnie station (grid reference NN 634 848). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Ben Alder at 1,148 m. The start can be reached by public transport.
Ben Alder is a vast, high plateau in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by cliffs and corries. From Dalwhinnie, the route follows the long track along Loch Ericht and climbs Beinn Bheoil above the loch.
From Beinn Bheoil it crosses the Bealach Breabag to the Ben Alder plateau, then descends to Culra and back along the tracks by Loch Pattack. Most people cycle the tracks or take two days.
Route
-
1
Loch Ericht
Follow the track south-west along Loch Ericht.
-
2
Beinn Bheoil
Climb onto Beinn Bheoil's ridge above the loch.
-
3
Ben Alder
Cross the Bealach Breabag and climb onto the Ben Alder plateau to the summit.
-
4
Culra and back
Descend to Culra and follow the tracks past Loch Pattack back to Dalwhinnie.
Summits
1019 m
1148 m
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil from Dalwhinnie take?
- Most walkers take 14–19 hours for the 47.9 km route, which has 1,790 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 Dalwhinnie station (grid reference NN 634 848). Parking near the level crossing in Dalwhinnie.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Trains on the Highland Main Line stop at Dalwhinnie. Check times on Traveline Scotland.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Very long estate tracks; rough ridge to Beinn Bheoil; stony plateau on Ben Alder; pathless sections.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Ben Alder (1148 m, Munro); Beinn Bheoil (1019 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. Most people cycle the long approach track, which roughly halves the time.
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Walks nearby
All walks near Newtonmore
Carn Dearg, Geal Chàrn, Aonach Beag and Beinn Eibhinn
Dalwhinnie
57.3 km · 2060 m · 16.5–22.5 h
