Beinn Ruadh

665m Elevation
502m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Beinn Ruadh

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.

Rowardennan Route

Starting at the Rowardennan car park, this scenic route meanders through lush woodland and grassy slopes before tackling the final ascent. It's a favourite for both seasoned hikers and those just looking for a lovely day out.

10.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Graham Simm

Elevation

665m

2,180 ft

Prominence

502m

Coordinates

56.0532, -4.9632

NS155884

OS Map

56

Explorer: OL37S 363S

At the Summit

The summit boasts a modest cairn, providing a perfect spot for a well-deserved break and perhaps a selfie. It’s a classic site for those wanting to bask in the glory of their achievement, or just looks good on Instagram.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some boggy patches in the lower sections.

Beinn Ruadh is predominantly composed of granite and schist, providing a rugged bedrock that's seen more than a few scrambles over the years. The rock formations reveal the impressive geological history of the Scottish Highlands, featuring ancient metamorphic processes.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views across Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, and beyond. On a clear day, the sight of Ben Lomond standing majestically nearby is simply breathtaking.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Beinn Ruadh' means 'Red Mountain' in Gaelic, likely referencing the coloration of the rock or vegetation.

Historical Significance

The mountain holds cultural importance with deep connections to Scottish folk tales, often depicted in local lore as a gathering place for ancient clans.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There’s a well-maintained car park at Rowardennan, just a stone's throw from the start of the trail. Be warned: it gets busy during the summer months, so arrive early or be prepared to park a bit further afield.

Public Transport

The nearest public transport option is the bus service from Glasgow, which runs regularly to Rowardennan, especially during the tourist season.

Nearby Facilities

While facilities on the mountain are scarce (it's not exactly a five-star resort), Rowardennan has a café and toilets, so make sure to refuel before or after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes typical of Scottish mountains. Conditions can change in the blink of an eye, and some sections can be slippery, particularly in wet conditions.

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 Ruadh?

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

Are there other walkers around Beinn Ruadh?

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

Can I organise a walk to Beinn Ruadh?

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 Ruadh.

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 Ruadh?

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 Ruadh 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: NS155884

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.