Highlight • Natural Monument
Beinn Fhada Summit
Hiking
5.0
(6)
Mountaineering
5.0
(1)
Spanning a similar length to that of the legendary Five Sisters of Kintail to the south, Beinn Fhada is a mountain of awesome proportions. Hikes to Beinn Fhada discover precipitous cliffs and atmospheric, silent corries en route. Its situation is magnificent; north of the well-trodden ridges of Glen Shiel, it is a more secretive mountain that rewards with staggering views of the North West Highlands.
A serene giant set amongst some of finest scenery in the Highlands
Also known as Ben Attow, Beinn Fhada is a grand mountain that stands alone and aloof. Its serrated western ridge, Sgurr a’Choire Ghairbh, is well seen from Loch Duich. If you’ve ever driven along the evocative ‘road to the Isles’, this jagged crest may well have turned your head, such is its splendour. The principal summit is actually on quite a broad plateau and hides behind this bristling fortress.
Walking routes to Beinn Fhada usually begin in Morvich at the head of Loch Duich. Although most ways to the summit are not overly technical, there are sections where you will need to employ your hands on rock.
On a clear day, the view to Skye in the west is magnificent, with the sharp peaks of the Black Cuillin piercing the sky. Closer at hand is a less familiar vantage of the Five Sisters’ rollercoaster profile and the graceful rise and fall of the other splendid ridges of Glen Shiel.
Campsites are in good supply around the head of Loch Duich, where a range of other accommodation options can be sought. The Cluanie Inn at the eastern end of Glen Shiel is a popular hillwalkers’ establishment.
In winter conditions Beinn Fhada is a serious undertaking and should not be attempted unless you are equipped with an ice axe, crampons and the skills to use them.
A serene giant set amongst some of finest scenery in the Highlands
Also known as Ben Attow, Beinn Fhada is a grand mountain that stands alone and aloof. Its serrated western ridge, Sgurr a’Choire Ghairbh, is well seen from Loch Duich. If you’ve ever driven along the evocative ‘road to the Isles’, this jagged crest may well have turned your head, such is its splendour. The principal summit is actually on quite a broad plateau and hides behind this bristling fortress.
Walking routes to Beinn Fhada usually begin in Morvich at the head of Loch Duich. Although most ways to the summit are not overly technical, there are sections where you will need to employ your hands on rock.
On a clear day, the view to Skye in the west is magnificent, with the sharp peaks of the Black Cuillin piercing the sky. Closer at hand is a less familiar vantage of the Five Sisters’ rollercoaster profile and the graceful rise and fall of the other splendid ridges of Glen Shiel.
Campsites are in good supply around the head of Loch Duich, where a range of other accommodation options can be sought. The Cluanie Inn at the eastern end of Glen Shiel is a popular hillwalkers’ establishment.
In winter conditions Beinn Fhada is a serious undertaking and should not be attempted unless you are equipped with an ice axe, crampons and the skills to use them.
Tips
Adventurer Nic
March 22, 2020
Hiking
Beinn Fhada (1,032m) is a corker of a Munro with summit views that are up there with the best the Scottish Highlands has to offer on a clear day. I was blessed with perfect conditions during my ascent. The most common approach is from the west, at Morvich. Beinn Fhada's summit is a rather large plateau with a trig pillar.
Milo
July 10, 2022
Hiking
Great little outing that is worth saving for a day with good weather. The way up is very scenic from Morvich, but comes with a continuous uphill (yes, the whole 1,000m). The views over the Kintail ridge is absolutely stunning. Be prepared for a bit of bogginess on the way from the ridge up to the top which comes as a bit of a suprise after a fairly rocky way up until then.
Ian MacD
June 20, 2024
Mountaineering
There is a trig point at the summit and stone built circle to shelter from the wind.
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Nearby routes
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Details
Informations
Elevation 990 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
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Monday 6 July
13°C
11°C
91 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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