NH4995 : OS Trig Point on Breac-Bheinn, Scottish Highlands

Breac-Bheinn

464m Elevation
159m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NH4995 : OS Trig Point on Breac-Bheinn, Scottish Highlands

Andrew Tryon Photo source

Overview

Breac-Bheinn: A Hiker's Delight

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Breac-Bheinn offers outdoor enthusiasts a splendid adventure with its majestic presence and rich geology. Standing tall at 744 meters, this Munro is not just another hill—it's a strong contender for the title of 'Best Views in the Highlands'.

Geology

Breac-Bheinn's composition of Lewisian Gneiss is a testament to the enduring nature of our planet. These rocks have withstood the tests of time, and if they could talk, they'd have a few tales worth hearing!

Access

Reaching Breac-Bheinn requires a bit of planning. The nearest parking area is ample enough to accommodate a handful of eager hikers, so arrive early to snag a coveted spot. If you prefer the bus, head to Glenfinnan and make the rest of the journey on foot. After all, what's a hike without a little legwork?

Routes

Northern Route

Starting from the north, the path leads you through a mix of glens and rocky sections, with a distance of 12.5 km. A moderate trek that takes approximately 5.5 hours—just long enough to burn off that pre-hike bacon roll.

Southern Approach

Alternatively, the southern approach offers a scenic route through beautiful woodlands. At about 10 km, this route is also moderate, taking roughly 4.5 hours to complete.

Summit Features

At the summit, you'll find a well-built rock cairn—perfect for your Instagram snaps. Breathe in the crisp air and take a moment to soak in the incredible views.

Terrain

Be prepared for some rocky challenges! While some sections are grassy and gentle, others might feel like a clambering goat on holiday. Bring sturdy footwear to navigate muddy and slippery paths.

Views

Upon reaching the top, the views do not disappoint. Gaze out onto Loch Shiel and the surrounding mountains, especially stunning in late spring or autumn when the colours are vivid.

Hazards

As beautiful as Breac-Bheinn is, safety first! Watch out for strong winds, particularly in winter, and always be cautious on slippery paths.

Nearby Summits

Feeling adventurous? Pair your Breac-Bheinn trip with a hike to nearby too! Just over the hill lie Beinn a' Chroin and Sgurr na Ciche—both offering their own incredible views.

Conclusion

Breac-Bheinn stands not only as a Munro but as a memorable adventure waiting to unfold. Wouldn’t it be a shame to let it stand there all alone? Grab your gear, put on your walking boots, and head out for an experience you'll not only remember but cherish!

Explore routes near Breac-Bheinn

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

Loch Migdale from Torroy: Spinningdale pinewood and loch shore walk

7.6 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Ben Klibreck

16.9 km ~8h 20m Moderate

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Culbin Forest: Hill 99, Gravel Pit Ponds and Dragonfly Pool

5.3 km ~2h Moderate

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Findhorn guided night walk

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Route planning notes

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

From A830 at the North

A popular route starting from the north leading through lush glens and rocky paths, offering both challenge and beauty.

12.5 km ~5.5 hours Moderate

The Southern Approach

An equally splendid alternative approach from the south that weaves through scenic woodlands and open moorland.

10 km ~4.5 hours Moderate
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Make a day of it, together

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

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

464m

1,522 ft

Prominence

159m

Coordinates

57.9198, -4.5372

NH498950

OS Map

20

Explorer: 440S 441W

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a substantial rock cairn, and offers breathtaking panoramic views that are worth every step.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly rocky with grassy patches interspersed with some boggy areas particularly after rainfall.

Breac-Bheinn is primarily composed of Lewisian Gneiss, one of the oldest rock formations in the UK. It showcases the fascinating geology that has shaped the Highlands over billions of years.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy clear views of the surrounding glens, the rugged peaks of the nearby mountains, and the shimmering waters of Loch Shiel.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Breac-Bheinn' translates to 'spotted hill' in Gaelic, likely referring to the rocky outcrops that dot its flanks.

Historical Significance

Breac-Bheinn holds cultural importance in local Gaelic traditions and is often featured in folklore due to its striking appearance.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the start of the road leading to Breac-Bheinn, which accommodates around 10 vehicles. Be sure to arrive early to secure a spot!

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in the village of Glenfinnan, approximately 8 km away. Regular services connect to Fort William and Mallaig.

Nearby Facilities

Fort William has a variety of facilities including cafes, restaurants, and toilet facilities. A local shop for any last-minute essentials is also present.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for strong winds near the summit, particularly in winter. Some paths may be slippery after rain. Watch your footing on rocky sections!

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 Breac-Bheinn?

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

Are there other walkers around Breac-Bheinn?

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 Breac-Bheinn search or of course create your own walk for Breac-Bheinn

Can I organise a walk to Breac-Bheinn?

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 Breac-Bheinn.

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 Breac-Bheinn?

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 Breac-Bheinn 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

Breac-Bheinn location map

Grid reference: NH498950

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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