NN4778 : North ridge, Beinn a' Chlachair

Beinn a' Chlachair

1,088m Elevation
540m Prominence
Scotland Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NN4778 : North ridge, Beinn a' Chlachair

Richard Webb Photo source

Overview

Overview

Beinn a' Chlachair, a captivating Munro in the Scottish Highlands, reaches a respectable height of 1028 meters. Its dramatic presence and distinctive summit have made it a favourite among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Geology

The mountain is primarily made of granite, shaped by glacial movements, resulting in the rugged terrain that provides both challenge and beauty. If you're into geology, you might find the exposed rock formations quite fascinating—just hope they don't decide to expose your tripping feet!

Hiking Routes

East Ridge Route

A pleasant ascent from the Achleiten car park, this route encompasses approximately 14.5 km round trip. Expect awe-inspiring views and a moderate challenge, perfect for a day out!

West Approach Route

For those seeking a little more solitude, the West Approach from Kinloch Rannoch provides a more challenging experience, traversing about 16 km. Make sure you pack extra snacks—these quiet paths can add a surprising amount of time to your adventure!

Summit Features

Once you've conquered the height of Beinn a' Chlachair, you will be greeted by a substantial cairn. It's a perfect spot for getting those 'I made it' photos—you know the ones!

Terrain

Expect a mix of rocky paths and grassy stretches, but watch out for boggy spots that seem to pop up unexpectedly like that one friend who always shows up for dinner uninvited.

Views

The vistas from the summit are nothing short of breathtaking. You can spot landmarks such as Schiehallion and the broad stretch of Rannoch Moor. Late spring and summer provide the best visibility when you're less likely to be hiking through the cloud.

Hazards

Watch out for the unpredictable Scottish weather, as it can change faster than you can say 'bring on the sunshine!' Good boots are a must since the rocky terrain can be pretty slippery, especially after rain.

Nearby Summits

Don't miss out on adjacent peaks like Creag Pitridh and Sgor Iutharn if you're up for even more adventure.

Access

Achleiten car park is your best bet for parking, while public transport options are a bit sparse, so plan ahead. Aberfeldy serves as the nearest town, about a twenty-minute drive away—perfect for a post-hike pint!

Conclusion

Beinn a' Chlachair is a must-visit for those adventuring in the Scottish Highlands. Whether you're there for the challenge, the views, or a bit of both, it’s a mountain that won’t disappoint.

So lace up those boots and get ready to enjoy the wild wonders of Scotland!

Explore routes near Beinn a' Chlachair

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

Fort Augustus to Kytra Lock: Caledonian Canal Towpath

8.2 km ~2h 30m Easy

View route

Ben Nevis via Mountain Path

15.6 km ~7h Hard

View route

Banavie to Glen Loy Aqueduct: Neptune’s Staircase Canal Towpath

13.3 km ~4h Easy

View route

Kenmore: Drummond Hill Black Rock Trail above Loch Tay

4.6 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

East Ridge Route

A popular route that begins at the Achleiten parking area and follows the east ridge to the summit. This path offers stunning views along the ascent.

14.5 km ~5.5 hours Moderate

West Approach Route

Starting from the small village of Kinloch Rannoch, this route is less trodden but rewards hikers with solitude and breathtaking landscapes.

16 km ~6 hours Challenging
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

1,088m

3,569 ft

Prominence

540m

Coordinates

56.8695, -4.5097

NN471781

OS Map

42

Explorer: OL50 393

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a substantial cairn, offering a handy vantage point to assess both your achievements and the surrounding landscape.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly rocky with grassy patches particularly on the lower slopes. Be prepared for some boggy areas after rainfall.

Beinn a' Chlachair is predominantly constructed of granite, which contributes to its rugged terrain. The mountain showcases the classic Highland formation processes, with glacial activity shaping the landscape over millennia.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, the views stretch to the distant Schiehallion, the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, and, if you're lucky, the stunning peaks of the surrounding area.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Beinn a' Chlachair' translates to 'Mountain of the Stone', reflecting the rocky landscape that characterises the area.

Historical Significance

Historically, Beinn a' Chlachair was an important landmark for local clans and served as a wayfinding point in the rugged Scottish Highlands.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Achleiten car park offers ample space for vehicles and serves as the main starting point for popular routes up Beinn a' Chlachair.

Public Transport

The nearest public transport connections are to the village of Kinloch Rannoch, with limited bus services. It's advisable to check local schedules ahead of time.

Nearby Facilities

While facilities are scarce on the mountain itself, the village of Kinloch Rannoch has small shops and a cafe for post-hike treats. Toilets can be found at the Achleiten car park.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Rapid weather changes, especially in higher elevations. The rocky terrain can also lead to slips and falls, so good footwear is essential.

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' Chlachair?

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

Are there other walkers around Beinn a' Chlachair?

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' Chlachair search or of course create your own walk for Beinn a' Chlachair

Can I organise a walk to Beinn a' Chlachair?

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' Chlachair.

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' Chlachair?

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' Chlachair 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' Chlachair location map

Grid reference: NN471781

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

Ben Alder

1,148m

Creag Meagaidh

1,128m

Beinn Mheadhoin

541m

Binnein Mor

550m

Stob Ban

977m
See 5 more nearby hills