Beinn Dearg

424m Elevation
151m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Beinn Dearg

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

Route planning notes

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

Glen Douchary Route

A scenic and well-trodden path that winds through the stunning landscapes of Glen Douchary, leading to the summit of Beinn Dearg.

11.3 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Morar River Route

This route follows the Morar River valley and provides a slightly longer trek with beautiful views of the river and associated wildlife.

13.5 km ~5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

424m

1,390 ft

Prominence

151m

Coordinates

58.5463, -4.9577

NC279658

OS Map

9

Explorer: 446

At the Summit

The summit features a large stone cairn that stands as a testament to the efforts of countless hikers who have reached the top. There is also an impressive trig point for those who enjoy a bit of surveying.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged with rocky outcrops grassy slopes and some boggy areas making sturdy footwear essential.

Beinn Dearg is primarily composed of granite and gneiss formations, which give the mountain its prominent and rugged features. The area also features interesting glacially shaped valleys.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Monadhliath and the distant peaks of the Cairngorms. The shimmering Loch Ness is also visible on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Beinn Dearg' translates to 'Red Mountain' in Scots Gaelic, likely referring to the reddish hues of the rocky terrain at certain times of the day.

Historical Significance

Beinn Dearg has long been a favourite among Scottish outdoor enthusiasts and is often included in Munro baggers' lists.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a parking area at the end of the Glen Douchary road, approximately 3 km from the start of the hiking trail.

Public Transport

Regular bus services connect nearby towns, though a car is recommended for the best access.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the mountain, but Newtonmore offers cafes and shops for pre- or post-hike refreshments. Public toilets are also available in the village.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of changing weather conditions, especially in winter. Some sections can be slippery when wet, and visibility can change in moments.

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 Dearg?

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

Are there other walkers around Beinn Dearg?

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 Dearg search or of course create your own walk for Beinn Dearg

Can I organise a walk to Beinn Dearg?

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 Dearg.

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 Dearg?

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 Dearg 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