NN3513 : Lumpy terrain north of Ben a' Choin summit

Beinn a' Choin

769m Elevation
345m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN3513 : Lumpy terrain north of Ben a' Choin summit

Gordon Brown Photo source

Explore routes near Beinn a' Choin

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

The Cobbler from Succoth Carpark

10.5 km ~6h Hard

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Beinn Ime from Succoth

15.1 km ~7h Hard

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Ben Lomond in the trossachs

12.1 km Hard

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Loch Katrine: Brenachoile Point Shore Walk from Trossachs Pier

7.2 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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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 West Highland Way Approach

A scenic route starting from the West Highland Way, providing a gentle ascent through lush glens before tackling the steeper sections towards the summit.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate

Your Classic Round

A circular route that combines ascent via the south-east ridge and descent through the north ridge, allowing for a brilliant day's hike.

12.5 km ~5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Corbett Simm

Elevation

769m

2,522 ft

Prominence

345m

Coordinates

56.2811, -4.6599

NN354130

OS Map

50 56

Explorer: OL39N 364N

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a large, prominent cairn, offering a perfect photo opportunity. From here, the views are nothing short of breathtaking, perhaps inspiring poets and waggish hikers alike.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and marshy in places with grassland leading up to the higher elevations. Good footwear is advised – unless you're into muddy socks!

Beinn a' Choin is primarily composed of volcanic rock, typical of the region's geological history, which includes both ancient lava flows and sedimentary deposits. The rugged landscape showcases erosion patterns that offer glimpses into the earth's past, with some boulders appearing to have been placed by giants (or perhaps just very lazy trolls).

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the sprawling terrain of Loch Lomond to the west, the peaks of Argyll and the rolling hills of the Trossachs. On a clear day, the sight is worth every uphill step and possibly a few brambles in your hair.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Beinn a' Choin' translates to 'Hill of the Dog' in Gaelic, possibly referring to the legendary hounds of old Scotland that roamed these hills, barking at the clouds.

Historical Significance

Historically, this area was part of the lands owned by the Campbell clan, and the mountain has featured in various local tales of bravery and mischief.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the start of the West Highland Way in Beinglas Farm, approximately NN330187. Facilities at the farm include refreshments (and possibly a cheeky slice of cake).

Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Crianlarich. From there, buses operate regularly towards the wider Loch Lomond area, although a bit of a walk is involved from the bus stop to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities on the mountain itself; however, Beinglas Farm offers food and drink, and there are public toilets available near the start of the hiking trails.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep ground and loose rocks on ascent. Be cautious after rainfall as paths can become slippery. Watch out for sudden weather changes, which can be as frequent as a Scottish saying 'If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes.'

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' Choin?

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

Are there other walkers around Beinn a' Choin?

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

Can I organise a walk to Beinn a' Choin?

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' Choin.

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' Choin?

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' Choin 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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NN354130

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