3,881 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Beinn Mheadhoin
Beinn Mheadhoin is a 3,881 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Loch Avon and Loch Etchachan: 12 mi, 4,590 ft of gain, Class 2.
Beinn Mheadhoin at a glance
- Elevation3,881 ft1,182 m
- RouteNormal Route via Loch Avon and Loch EtchachanClass 2
- Distance12 mi4,590 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Normal Route via Loch Avon and Loch Etchachan
From Aviemore, follow the B970 and the Cairngorm ski road to the Cairngorm Mountain car park in Coire Cas (parking charge). Climb the Fiacaill a' Choire Chais ridge onto the plateau, then drop steeply down Coire Raibeirt to Loch Avon. Round the head of the loch past the Shelter Stone, climb to Loch Etchachan and head northeast over pathless ground to the summit tors, where the top needs a short, easy use of hands (Class 2). The burn at the head of Loch Avon can be impassable in spate, and the climb back out of the basin makes this a long, committing day.
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
- Stream crossing
- Low visibility
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Beinn Mheadhoin
MunrosPeaks near Beinn Mheadhoin
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Beinn Mheadhoin?
Beinn Mheadhoin is 3,881 feet (1,182 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Beinn Mheadhoin rank among the Munros?
At 3,881 feet, Beinn Mheadhoin is the 12th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Beinn Mheadhoin?
The Normal Route via Loch Avon and Loch Etchachan 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 4,590 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Beinn Mheadhoin?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Normal Route via Loch Avon and Loch Etchachan, covering 12 miles with 4,590 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Beinn Mheadhoin?
The Normal Route via Loch Avon and Loch Etchachan needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 4,590 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 Mheadhoin?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Beinn Mheadhoin 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