3,556 ft · Northwest Highlands, Scotland
Beinn Dearg
Beinn Dearg is a 3,556 ft peak in the Northwest Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge via Gleann na Sguaib: 12 mi, 3,640 ft of gain, Class 2.
Beinn Dearg at a glance
- Elevation3,556 ft1,083 m
- RouteNorthwest Ridge via Gleann na SguaibClass 2
- Distance12 mi3,640 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeNorthwest HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Northwest Ridge via Gleann na Sguaib
From Ullapool, drive south on the A835 to the Inverlael car park at the head of Loch Broom. Follow the forestry track through Inverlael Forest, then the stalkers path up Gleann na Sguaib to the bealach at its head. Turn south and follow the line of an old stone dyke up the northwest ridge, then cross bouldery ground to the large summit cairn. The route is Class 2 on rough, rocky ground. It is usually combined with Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala. The dyke is a useful handrail in cloud, but the summit area is broad and the cliffs above Coire Ghranda need care in mist.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Low visibility
- Loose rock
- High winds
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Beinn Dearg
MunrosPeaks near Beinn Dearg
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Beinn Dearg?
Beinn Dearg is 3,556 feet (1,083 m) tall. It is in the Northwest Highlands, Scotland.
How does Beinn Dearg rank among the Munros?
At 3,556 feet, Beinn Dearg is the 57th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Beinn Dearg?
The Northwest Ridge via Gleann na Sguaib is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 3,640 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Beinn Dearg?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Northwest Ridge via Gleann na Sguaib, covering 12 miles with 3,640 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Beinn Dearg?
The Northwest Ridge via Gleann na Sguaib needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 3,640 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Beinn Dearg?
The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Beinn Dearg with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list