NS2694 : Western slopes of Beinn a' Mhanaich

Beinn a' Mhanaich

709m Elevation
358m Prominence
Scotland Country
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Overview

Beinn a' Mhanaich

Location: Scottish Highlands
Elevation: 822 meters

Introduction

Beinn a' Mhanaich is one of those quintessential Scottish peaks that offers stunning views and a bit of a workout, making it a favourite among hiking enthusiasts. It’s not just another peak; it’s a Munro, which, for the uninitiated, means it reaches over 3,000 feet—enough to give your legs a run for their money!

Geology

The mountain's geological composition is predominantly ancient metamorphic rock, specifically schists and gneisses, which have been magnificently shaped by millennia of glaciers. This lends a rugged charm that speaks of the ages; it’s not just a mountain, it’s history rock-solid underfoot.

Route Planning

The most commonly traversed route is the West Loch Tarbert route. This pathway meanders through lush heather and expansive grassy areas, with delightful views of Loch Tarbert as your backdrop.

  • Distance: Approximately 12.5 km round-trip
  • Time: Around 4.5 hours, unless you decide to sit and contemplate life on the summit
  • Difficulty: Moderate, so it’s ideal for those looking to stretch their legs without a full-on death march.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by a substantial cairn marking the peak—perfect for that achievement photo. The panoramic vista from the top displays the breathtaking Kintyre peninsula and the distant silhouette of the Arran mountains, truly a sight for sore eyes.

Safety and Hazards

Always be prepared for capricious Scottish weather; it can turn from sunny to stormy faster than you can say "damp socks." Ensure you bring a map and compass, as some trails may not be as obvious as they’d like to think.

Nearby Attractions

You might be tempted to extend your hike by bagging nearby summits like Beinn a' Chruin and Beinn Eorna, both of which are worth the extra steps on your pedometer.

Facilities

Before you set off, grab a bit of fuel from one of the charming cafés in Tarbert and make use of the public toilets available at the visitor centre. You wouldn't want to be caught out in the wild with no facilities!

Conclusion

Beinn a' Mhanaich is a gem in the Highlands crown. It combines stunning views, a rich geological history, and enough of a challenge to make you feel like you've accomplished something notable by the time you get back to the car. So lace up those boots and head out for an experience that promises to be both rewarding and unforgettable.

Last Updated: 2023-10-01
Source: Ordnance Survey

Explore routes near Beinn a' Mhanaich

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Ben Lomond in the trossachs

12.1 km 4h 5m–6h 5m Hard

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Beinn Ime from Succoth

15.1 km 5h 5m–7h 35m Hard

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The Cobbler from Succoth Carpark

10.5 km 3h 30m–5h 15m Hard

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Glen Kin group walk

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

West Loch Tarbert Route

A scenic route starting from the shores of Loch Tarbert that winds through heather and grassland before ascending to the summit.

12.5 km ~4.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Graham Simm

Elevation

709m

2,326 ft

Prominence

358m

Coordinates

56.1128, -4.7853

NS269946

OS Map

56

Explorer: OL38 OL39S 347 364S

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent cairn which is a must-see for any hillwalker seeking that perfect Instagram shot. There’s also a stunning 360-degree view that will make your friends at home extremely jealous.

Terrain & Geology

The terrain is predominantly grassy with rocky outcrops. Parts can be boggy especially after rainfall so gaiters may be a worthy companion.

Beinn a' Mhanaich is primarily composed of ancient metamorphic rocks, specifically schists and gneisses, which have been sculpted by glacial activity. This geological history gives the mountain its distinctive rugged features.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the stunning Kintyre peninsula to the south, and the rugged peaks of the surrounding hills, including the majestic Arran mountains in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Beinn a' Mhanaich translates to 'Mountain of the Monk', which might hint at a peaceful spot for reflection—or perhaps where monks used to do a bit of hillwalking themselves.

Historical Significance

This mountain is notable among hillwalkers and is often included in the Munro bagging lists, making it a cherished spot for both local and visiting climbers.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

There is ample parking available at West Loch Tarbert, just a short walk from the trailhead.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in Tarbert village, approximately 10 km from the start of the route.

Nearby Facilities

You can find a few cafés in Tarbert. Toilets are available at the visitor centre, so make sure to take advantage before your big climb!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be wary of rapidly changing weather; conditions can shift in the blink of an eye. Additionally, some paths may be less defined, so a good map and compass are recommended to avoid making a detour to an uninvited location.

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' Mhanaich?

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

Are there other walkers around Beinn a' Mhanaich?

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

Can I organise a walk to Beinn a' Mhanaich?

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' Mhanaich.

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' Mhanaich?

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' Mhanaich 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' Mhanaich location map

Grid reference: NS269946

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

The Cobbler [Ben Arthur]

The Cobbler [Ben Arthur]

887m

Beinn Narnain

927m

Beinn Ime

1,012m

Ben Vorlich

943m

 Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond

974m
See 5 more nearby hills

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