NN3237 : View north west from Beinn Dorain

Beinn Dorain

1,076m Elevation
332m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN3237 : View north west from Beinn Dorain

Nigel Brown Photo source

Explore routes near Beinn Dorain

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

The Cobbler from Succoth Carpark

10.5 km ~6h Hard

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Beinn Ime from Succoth

15.1 km ~7h Hard

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Ben Lomond in the trossachs

12.1 km Hard

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Ben Nevis via Mountain Path

15.6 km ~7h Hard

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Route planning notes

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

Classic Route via Coire an Dòthaidh

This is the most popular route for tackling Beinn Dorain. Starting from the car park at Bridge of Orchy, cross the railway line and follow the clear path through Coire an Dòthaidh. The route ascends steadily, offering stunning views back towards Bridge of Orchy. After reaching the bealach, turn right and follow the ridge to the summit of Beinn Dorain. The true summit is marked by a cairn, slightly further on from the false summit.

11 km ~5.5 hours Moderate

Beinn Dorain and Beinn an Dòthaidh Circuit

For a longer and more rewarding day, combine Beinn Dorain with its neighbour, Beinn an Dòthaidh. Begin as with the classic route, ascending through Coire an Dòthaidh to the bealach. First, head right to summit Beinn Dorain, then return to the bealach and ascend Beinn an Dòthaidh. The ridge between the two offers breathtaking vistas. Descend via the same route through Coire an Dòthaidh.

15 km ~7 hours Challenging

South Ridge via Achallader

This quieter alternative starts near Achallader Farm. Follow the path up to the west ridge of Beinn Dorain, providing a less-trodden approach. The ascent is steady but involves some pathless sections, requiring good navigation skills. Once at the summit, return the same way or continue to the bealach to descend via Coire an Dòthaidh for a circular walk.

12 km ~6 hours Moderate

Beinn Dorain Winter Route

In winter conditions, Beinn Dorain becomes a more serious undertaking. Follow the classic Coire an Dòthaidh route, but be prepared for icy paths and potential snow cover. An ice axe and crampons are essential, and the ridge section requires care in poor visibility. The effort is well worth it for the snow-covered mountain views.

11 km ~6 hours Hard

Extended Ridge Walk to Beinn Mhanach

For experienced walkers seeking a full day out, extend your walk from Beinn Dorain to include the neighbouring Munro of Beinn Mhanach. From Beinn Dorain’s summit, descend to the south-east towards the bealach and continue to the summit of Beinn Mhanach. Return via the same route to the bealach and descend through Coire an Dòthaidh.

20 km ~9 hours Very Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

1,076m

3,530 ft

Prominence

332m

Coordinates

56.5029, -4.7222

NN325378

OS Map

50

Explorer: 377E

At the Summit

The summit boasts a stone cairn, providing a perfect spot for a celebratory snack. On clear days, the expansive views are the icing on the cake.

Terrain & Geology

A mixture of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops with some boggy sections at lower elevations.

Beinn Dorain is primarily composed of volcanic rock from the Devonian period, characterised by its rugged crags and sweeping slopes. Its geological formation offers insights into ancient volcanic activity in the Highlands.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, expect breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including the impressive peaks of the Black Mountains and the expansive Rannoch Moor.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Beinn Dorain' derives from the Gaelic 'Beinn Dòrain', meaning 'the mountain of the dry place'.

Historical Significance

It holds geographical and cultural significance as one of the prominent peaks in the area, often cited in local folklore.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The Bridge of Orchy car park offers ample parking, but can get busy during peak seasons, so arrive early for a good spot.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is at Bridge of Orchy, well-serviced by ScotRail, making it convenient for hikers travelling from further afield.

Nearby Facilities

There are minimal facilities directly at the base; however, Crianlarich has cafes, shops, and toilets for your pre- or post-hike needs.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden weather changes in the Highlands, as well as rocky terrain that can be slippery when 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 Dorain?

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

Are there other walkers around Beinn Dorain?

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

Can I organise a walk to Beinn Dorain?

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 Dorain.

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 Dorain?

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 Dorain 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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NN325378

View on OpenStreetMap

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