Beinn na Sreine
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Beinn na Sreine
Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Beinn na Sreine stands proudly at 613 meters, embodying the rugged beauty of the region. This Marilyn classification mountain might not be as lofty as its towering neighbours, but don’t let that fool you; it offers a robust adventure for any eager hiker.
Geology
The mountain is composed primarily of schist and gneiss, telling tales of ancient land formations and glacial movements. If rocks could talk, Beinn na Sreine would have a rough but fascinating story to tell!
Routes
Kilchrenan Loop
One popular route is the Kilchrenan Loop, a delightful circular hike of about 10.5 km, taking approximately 4 hours. It offers picturesque landscapes, fun ups and downs, and some pretty decent photo ops for the gram. The trail is rated as moderate, making it accessible for most walkers keen to stretch their legs and test their mettle.
Summit Features
At the summit lies a prominent cairn, a beacon for wanderers and a splendid backdrop for pictures. History buffs will also appreciate the remnants of military structures, lending a sense of historical depth to this natural wonder. Surely, it's something to think about whilst admiring the views!
Terrain Type
Expect a mix of rocky outcrops and grassy patches, with the occasional bog—so maybe save the fancy trainers for the next day. The terrain adds to the adventure, particularly after a good Scottish rain, where those bogs can surprise the unwary!
Views
The views from Beinn na Sreine are nothing short of spectacular. The summit rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramas of Loch Awe and distant peaks of the Trossachs—perfect spots for a bit of contemplation or bragging rights with friends.
Best visited in autumn for the clear air and vibrant heather, or on calm summer mornings, the stunning vistas will leave a lasting impression (and definitely make that walking stick worth it).
Hazards
As with many Highland adventures, caution is key. Be prepared for slippery rocks, especially on ascents, and watch your step in the boggy patches that like to keep things interesting.
Nearby Summits
Adventurers looking for more can traverse to nearby peaks, including Ben Cruachan at 1126 meters and Beinn a' Chochuill at 925 meters. Why stop at just one?
Access
Conveniently accessed via Kilchrenan, where you can find parking for your chariot. If you prefer not to drive, there are buses from Oban that will drop you right into the village—not a bad ride for an adventurous day!
Facilities
Facilities are limited in Kilchrenan, but don't fret. The nearby town of Taynuilt provides local cafes and shops, perfect for a post-hike treat.
History
The name Beinn na Sreine translates to 'Mountain of the Sire', a nod to its noble stature and historical importance. This lovely mountain has inspired countless folk tales and legends, making your journey not only an outdoor experience but a cultural one.
So, grab your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and take on Beinn na Sreine! It's waiting for you to weave your own stories into its enchanting landscape.
Explore routes near Beinn na Sreine
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.
Crinan Canal: Bellanoch and Dunardry towpath return
View route
Ben Nevis via Mountain Path
View route
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.
Kilchrenan Loop
A delightful circular route starting from Kilchrenan, offering diverse landscapes and stunning vistas as it meanders up to the summit.
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
View all
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NM4530 : Beinn na Srèine
Richard Webb
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NM4530 : Beinn na Srèine
Richard Webb
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NM4530 : Beinn na Sreine
Simon Waddicor
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NM4530 : Beinn na Sreine
Rude Health
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NM4530 : Gravelly material on north side of Beinn na Srèine
Trevor Littlewood
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
521m
1,709 ft
Prominence
376m
Coordinates
56.3972, -6.1236
NM456304
OS Map
48
Explorer: 373 375W
At the Summit
The summit boasts a prominent cairn, which acts as a perfect photo backdrop. Wanderers might also discover remnants of old military structures, hinting at its historical importance during the World Wars.
Terrain & Geology
Beinn na Sreine is primarily composed of schist and gneiss, showcasing the ancient continental collision that formed this part of the Highlands. The rugged nature of the rock provides a showcase of glacial erosion, with steep faces and scree slopes indicative of its dramatic past.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, one can enjoy panoramic views of Loch Awe, the distant peaks of the Trossachs, and on clear days, perhaps even the outline of Ben Nevis.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
Beinn na Sreine translates to 'Mountain of the Sire', alluding to its towering stature and historical connections with local lore.
Historical Significance
The mountain has cultural significance in Gaelic history and was part of ancient hunting grounds. Its rugged terrain has provided inspiration for folk tales over generations.
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 parking available at Kilchrenan, which is a small village located a short walk from the trailhead.
Public Transport
Buses run from Oban to Kilchrenan, making it accessible by public transport, though checking the schedule is advisable as frequency may vary.
Nearby Facilities
In Kilchrenan, there are limited facilities, but Taynuilt offers local cafes, shops, and public toilets.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Potentially slippery rocks on ascents, boggy areas near the trails, and sudden changes in weather typical of the Highlands.
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 na Sreine?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Beinn na Sreine through the maps
Are there other walkers around Beinn na Sreine?
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 na Sreine search or of course create your own walk for Beinn na Sreine
Can I organise a walk to Beinn na Sreine?
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 na Sreine.
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 na Sreine?
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 na Sreine 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: NM456304
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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