Scotland
Beinn a' Bhathaich
456M
1496FT
About Beinn a' Bhathaich
Guarding the entrance to Glen Strathfarrar, this craggy, heathery ridge offers an accessible ascent with rewards exceeding its modest height. While it lacks the stature of the inner Grampian Munros, its rugged terrain provides a genuine highland character, looking directly across the strath towards the wooded slopes and farmland of The Aird.
Key Statistics
Rank
436th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Grampians
Prominence
?
105m
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
The ground here is part of the Craid A'Bhlair Formation. It consists of conglomerate, which is a rock made from rounded pebbles naturally cemented together.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NH571288
Latitude
57.3273°N
Longitude
4.3751°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Gaelic 'Beinn a' Bhathaich', which translates as the 'Hill of the Byre' or 'Hill of the Cow-house'. This likely refers to the sheltered grazing land in the glen below, where cattle were traditionally wintered.
- •The summit offers a commanding view of the Beauly Firth and the Kessock Bridge to the east, while looking west provides a clear sightline down the length of Glen Strathfarrar toward the distant peaks of Mullardoch.
- •The standard approach begins at the hamlet of Inchmore, winding through pockets of birch and pine before the ground steepens into a mix of heather and occasional rocky outcrops.
- •Despite its relatively low elevation, the hill is a prominent landmark for those travelling west from Inverness, its steep southern flank making it appear far more formidable than its 456-metre height suggests.
- •It is a useful peak for those who find the restricted access gates of Glen Strathfarrar closed to vehicles, as the hill can be climbed from the public road without needing to drive deep into the glen.