NG9363 : Summit area of Beinn a' Chearcaill (2)

Beinn a' Chearcaill

725m Elevation
368m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NG9363 : Summit area of Beinn a' Chearcaill (2)

Trevor Littlewood Photo source

Explore routes near Beinn a' Chearcaill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Beinn Eighe Lancaster Wreckage at Coire Mhic Fhearchair

16 km ~6h Hard

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Fairy Lochs Liberator Wreckage Circuit

4.9 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Glen Affric: Coire Loch Woodland Trail

4.6 km ~2h Hard

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Fort Augustus to Kytra Lock: Caledonian Canal Towpath

8.2 km ~2h 30m Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

The Northern Approach

A scenic route starting from the northern side, weaving through picturesque glens and offering a gradual ascent.

9.5 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Graham Simm

Elevation

725m

2,380 ft

Prominence

368m

Coordinates

57.6162, -5.4658

NG931637

OS Map

19

Explorer: 433

At the Summit

The summit features a distinctive cairn, which offers a perfect photo opportunity. On a clear day, the views from around the cairn are second to none.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy transitioning to a mix of boulders near the summit. Expect some squishy patches where the Highland rains love to gather.

Composed primarily of intrusive igneous rock, Beinn a' Chearcaill features granite and gneiss, which provide a classic rugged Highland landscape. The mountain is part of the impressive Skye Terrane, rich in geological history.

Views & Scenery

Stunning views of the Black Cuillin, the islands of Raasay and Skye, and the expansive lochs that dot the landscape. Remember to take a moment to soak it all in; it’s a sight that might just make you forget about that last piece of cake you left at home!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Beinn a' Chearcaill' is derived from Gaelic, meaning 'Hill of the Cuckoo'. Quite befitting, as these birds are often heard around the region, adding a natural soundtrack to your hike.

Historical Significance

The mountain is a revered challenge among hikers, contributing to the local culture and tourism that highlights the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's a small car park at the foot of the northern trail, just off the A87 road. Make sure to arrive early, as parking spots can fill up during peak season.

Public Transport

Buses run from Portree to nearby villages, but accessing the trailhead will require a walk or a taxi from local drop-off points.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, Portree offers cafes, toilets, and shops. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a slice of cake post-hike!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be mindful of sudden weather changes, as conditions can shift promptly in the Highlands. Also, watch for loose stones, especially when descending.
  • Muddy patches on lower trails can be tricky, so don’t let your wellies slip!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Beinn a' Chearcaill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Beinn a' Chearcaill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Beinn a' Chearcaill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Beinn a' Chearcaill search or of course create your own walk for Beinn a' Chearcaill

Can I organise a walk to Beinn a' Chearcaill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Beinn a' Chearcaill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Beinn a' Chearcaill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Beinn a' Chearcaill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Beinn a' Chearcaill location map

Grid reference: NG931637

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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