Beinn Chaorach
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Beinn Chaorach
Introduction
Nestled in the enchanting Scottish Highlands, Beinn Chaorach stands proud at 943 meters tall, offering adventurers a slice of true Highland wilderness.
Geology
This majestic peak is mainly composed of Schiehallion-type quartzites and schists. The rocks here tell tales of geological upheaval and the slow sculpting by ice and time. It's a great reminder that even mountains had a tumultuous youth!
Routes and Ascent
The North West Ridge route is a favourite, providing a steady ascent that rewards you with increasing views as you climb. At a distance of about 10 km, it generally takes around 4.5 hours to conquer, assuming you're not too busy stopping for photos or to catch your breath. Make sure to pack snacks—trust us, you'll want to celebrate at the top!
Summit Features
Reaching the summit brings you to a sturdy cairn, a perfect spot to catch your breath and enjoy the views. It’s like a high-five from nature.
Terrain
Expect a delightful mix: grassy slopes, rocky outcrops, and occasionally boggy patches that will test your balance (lucky for you, Highland cows don't seem to mind your mud-splattered shoes).
Views
From the top, you will be treated to panoramic views that include Loch Awe and the majestic hills of Argyll, with islands of Mull and Jura on clear days. Bring your binoculars if you're keen on avian friends!
Hazards
As beautiful as it is, Beinn Chaorach can be a bit of a tease. Sudden weather changes can appear from nowhere, so it's wise to be prepared. Steep sections can be slippery, especially in wet conditions, so take your time and enjoy the journey!
Nearby Summits
If you've got the energy, consider tackling nearby peaks such as Meall nan Tarmachan (1044 m) or Ben More (966 m) for extra bragging rights.
Access
Parking
The small car park at the end of the public road accommodates around 10 vehicles—best get there early!
Public Transport
Crianlarich offers bus links to get you closer to the trailhead; do double-check those schedules, though!
Nearest Town
Crianlarich is your nearest town, approximately 12 km away—perfect for a good cup of tea post-hike.
Facilities
While the peak might not offer much in the way of facilities, Crianlarich boasts shops, cafes, and public toilets to cater to the needs of weary walkers.
History
The name Beinn Chaorach means ‘the hill of the rowan tree’, providing a nod to nature’s hardy flora that can withstand the rugged terrain. It has long been a cherished hiking destination, allowing both seasoned walkers and newcomers to embrace the charm of Scotland's hills.
Join the legions of hikers in celebrating Beinn Chaorach’s beauty and depth, and never forget—there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!
Explore routes near Beinn Chaorach
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Ben Lomond in the trossachs
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Beinn Ime from Succoth
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The Cobbler from Succoth Carpark
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Glen Kin group walk
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
North West Ridge
A popular route starting from the car park at the end of the tarred road, ascending steadily along the north-west ridge.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
713m
2,339 ft
Prominence
381m
Coordinates
56.0933, -4.7544
NS287923
OS Map
56
Explorer: OL38 347
At the Summit
The summit is marked by a prominent cairn, offering a great spot for a celebratory snack (and a quick selfie if you're feeling photogenic!).
Terrain & Geology
Beinn Chaorach is primarily composed of Schiehallion-type quartzites and schists, presenting a fine slice of the complex geology that characterises much of the Southern Highlands. The rock strata tell a tale of ancient geological forces that shaped this rugged landscape.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Loch Awe, the hills of Argyll, and on a clear day, as far as the islands of Mull and Jura. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a soaring eagle. Just don’t ask them for directions!
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name Beinn Chaorach translates to ‘the hill of the rowan tree’ in Gaelic. Perhaps a nod to the hardy trees that can sometimes cling to steep hillsides.
Historical Significance
Beinn Chaorach has been a beloved walking destination for generations and features in numerous local hikes. Its status as a Munro continues to attract both seasoned hikers and newcomers to the joys of Scotland's hills.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is a small car park at the end of the public road leading to the west of the mountain, which accommodates about 10 vehicles. Arrive early during weekends to snag a spot!
Public Transport
The nearest public transport links can be found in the village of Killin, from where you can catch local buses to get closer to the trailhead. Just remember to check the schedules!
Nearby Facilities
While there are no facilities on the hill, Crianlarich offers shops, cafes, and public toilets. Perfect for a pre-hike caffeine fix or post-hike recovery cup of tea!
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Like any good hill, Beinn Chaorach comes with its risks. Beware of sudden weather changes, as the Highlands are notorious for their fickle moods. Also, watch your footing in rocky areas and be cautious on steep descents, particularly when it's wet.
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 Chaorach?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Beinn Chaorach through the maps
Are there other walkers around Beinn Chaorach?
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 Chaorach search or of course create your own walk for Beinn Chaorach
Can I organise a walk to Beinn Chaorach?
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 Chaorach.
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 Chaorach?
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 Chaorach 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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: NS287923
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
![The Cobbler [Ben Arthur]](https://cdn.walkmates.com/gallery-images/a1b697040769474a8338b3fb586ebc7a.jpg){kind=small}
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