Beinn Domhnaill
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Beinn Domhnaill
Nestled in the spectacular Scottish Highlands, Beinn Domhnaill stands tall with an elevation of 749 meters (2458 feet). Known affectionately as a 'Marilyn,' it offers quite the challenge for keen hikers craving new heights.
Geology
As you meander up Beinn Domhnaill, take a moment to appreciate its schist and granite composition, which provides both a sturdy footing and a stunning sparkle. The mountain's glacially sculpted features tell tales of a bygone era, making it a fascinating study for geologists and nature lovers alike.
Routes
One of the most popular routes is the North-East Ridge Route. Spanning approximately 6 km, this moderately challenging path generally takes about 3.5 hours. It provides engaging terrain and beautiful vistas that will have you reaching for your camera more than once—make sure you bring a snack for the summit!
Summit Features
The summit is marked by a sturdy cairn and a trig point, both inviting you to stop and relish the astonishing panorama that lies before you. It's as if Mother Nature herself is giving you a high five!
Terrain Type
Expect a mixed bag of terrains on your ascent—grassy slopes, rocky formations, and bits that may remind you of a sponge after heavy rain (that's boggy, in case it wasn’t clear). Proper hiking boots are a must to navigate the occasional slippery surprise.
Views
Gaze upon the majestic peaks and valleys that characterize the Highlands. On a clear day, the view extends to the iconic Ben Nevis and—whispers of Loch Ness lurking in the distance. Spring and autumn are particularly splendid seasons for such visual treats, though a winter ascent promises its own serene beauty.
Hazards
Be part of the wisdom shared in the Highlands: if you don’t fancy a surprise weather turn, always check forecasts before heading out. Those charming rocks? Some might be loose, so tread with care.
Nearby Summits
Don’t stop at Beinn Domhnaill alone! Nearby peaks such as Beinn a’ Chuirn (824 m) and Sgorr na Diollaidh (703 m) await the adventurous hiker looking to add more to their itinerary.
Access
Getting to Beinn Domhnaill is fairly straightforward. Park in the small lot near Drumnadrochit, which is just a short hike from the trailhead. The village is served by buses from Inverness, making it accessible for those relying on public transport.
Facilities
Before and after your journey, Drumnadrochit offers cafes, shops, and even public toilets—perfect for those pre-hike coffees and after-hike sweet treats.
History
The name 'Beinn Domhnaill' translates as 'Donald’s Mountain.' It’s said to be named after a local chieftain. Given the mountain’s majestic stature, perhaps he was quite proud of it!
Beinn Domhnaill is a must-visit for hikers and adventurers seeking both challenge and beauty in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Embrace the journey and enjoy the climb!
Explore routes near Beinn Domhnaill
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.
Loch Migdale from Torroy: Spinningdale pinewood and loch shore walk
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Ben Klibreck
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Culbin Forest: Hill 99, Gravel Pit Ponds and Dragonfly Pool
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Findhorn guided night 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.
North-East Ridge Route
A scenic and moderately challenging ascent along the picturesque North-East ridge, offering stunning views.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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NH6896 : Summit ridge of Beinn Domhnaill
Trevor Littlewood
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NH6796 : Wild primroses on Beinn Domhnaill, Sutherland
Andrew Tryon
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NH6796 : Beinn Domhnaill - west summit
Richard Webb
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
349m
1,145 ft
Prominence
200m
Coordinates
57.9398, -4.2319
NH679966
OS Map
21
Explorer: 441W
At the Summit
The summit is crowned with a large stone cairn and offers a local trig point, making it an ideal spot for a memorable photograph (and possibly a celebratory snack).
Terrain & Geology
Beinn Domhnaill is primarily composed of schist and granite, which glisten in the sunlight, giving the mountain a unique shimmer that can be seen from miles away. The terrain has been shaped by glacial activity, leaving behind striking forms and ridges.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can gaze upon the stunning peaks of the surrounding Highlands, including the imposing Ben Nevis and the shimmering waters of Loch Ness in the distance.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Beinn Domhnaill' translates to 'Donald’s Mountain', believed to be named after a local chieftain or perhaps just someone named Donald who liked to enjoy the views.
Historical Significance
The mountain features prominently in local folklore and is a favourite among hikers and climbers, serving as a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.
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 a small parking area near the village of Drumnadrochit, approximately 1.5 km from the trailhead. Limited space, so arrive early!
Public Transport
You can take a bus from Inverness to Drumnadrochit, with a short walk to reach the trailhead.
Nearby Facilities
Drumnadrochit offers several cafes, shops, and public toilets, ensuring you’re well-fed and well-equipped before your trek.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Watch out for sudden weather changes—as they say in the Highlands, if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes! Also, loose rocks and steep gullies can pose a risk on certain paths.
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 Domhnaill?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Beinn Domhnaill through the maps
Are there other walkers around Beinn Domhnaill?
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 Domhnaill search or of course create your own walk for Beinn Domhnaill
Can I organise a walk to Beinn Domhnaill?
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 Domhnaill.
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 Domhnaill?
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 Domhnaill 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: NH679966
View on OpenStreetMapOpens 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.
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