An Binn Bheag [Ben Beg]

About An Binn Bheag [Ben Beg]

Tucked into the rugged northern section of the Maumturk Mountains, this quartzite peak offers a sharp, rocky character typical of Connemara. Though smaller than its neighbours, it provides a dramatic vantage point over the Lough Inagh Valley toward the Twelve Bens, serving as a key waypoint on the demanding Maumturks Traverse.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is an anglicisation of the Irish An Bhinn Bheag, meaning 'the small peak'. While it is lower than the central giants of the range, its sharp profile and steep scree slopes give it the stature of a much higher mountain.
• •It occupies a central position on the northern half of the Maumturks ridge, sitting between the higher Binn idir an dá Log to the south and the lower Binn Chaonaigh to the north.
• •The summit offers a premier view of the Twelve Bens across the Inagh Valley, providing a clear perspective of the quartzite glens of Binn Bhán and the scree-covered slopes of Binn an Choire Bhig.
• •Geologically, the hill is composed of Dalradian quartzite, a hard, white rock that gives the Connemara peaks their distinctive 'bald' appearance and creates notoriously abrasive terrain for hikers.
• •In the context of the Maumturks Traverse—a route known for its relentless 'up and down' nature—the name 'Small Peak' is something of a local joke; the steepness of the ascent ensures it is never taken lightly.