Beinn Dearg

914m Elevation
469m 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.

Coire na Bannaich Route

This prominent path offers a direct ascent from the north, leading hikers through a delightful glen before tackling the final steep slopes.

12 km ~5 hours Challenging

Inverlael Circuit

A scenic loop starting from Inverlael, taking you around to approach the summit from the south, with stunning views along the way.

14 km ~6 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Corbett Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

914m

2,998 ft

Prominence

469m

Coordinates

57.5882, -5.5229

NG895608

OS Map

19 24

Explorer: 433

At the Summit

The summit boasts a large, impressive cairn, ideal for a celebratory snack stop and the obligatory selfie. There's a trig point that presumably helps with triangulating one's sense of direction back down.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and boggy in places with some areas of grassy slopes.

Beinn Dearg is primarily composed of granite, with some areas of schist. The mountain's steep slopes and craggy peaks are a delight for geologists and those lucky enough to bring a rock hammer (or just a keen eye).

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can enjoy sweeping views towards the distant peaks of Fisherfield Forest, the rugged terrain of An Teallach, and the glimmering waters of Loch Maree.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Beinn Dearg' translates to 'Red Mountain' in Gaelic, possibly referring to the reddish hues seen in the rock under certain lighting—think sunset, not a stop sign.

Historical Significance

Beinn Dearg has been a popular spot for climbers and walkers for generations, steeped in both natural beauty and local folklore.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a gravel parking area at Inverlael, which can accommodate a number of vehicles but fills up quickly on sunny weekends.

Public Transport

Public transport is limited, with the closest bus services running from Ullapool to Inverlael. Check local timetables to avoid wandering aimlessly.

Nearby Facilities

The local cafes in Ullapool provide excellent refreshments, and there are public toilets located in the village.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Variable weather can lead to sudden changes; bring appropriate gear. Slippery rocks can present a challenge, especially in wet conditions. Beware of boggy areas which may try to swallow your boots whole.

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