Beinn Lochain

About Beinn Lochain

Rising above the rugged northwest coast of Arran, this granite Graham offers a quieter alternative to the island's bustling main peaks. Its rocky ridges provide a rough, heathery ascent, rewarding walkers with wild views across the Kilbrannan Sound towards the Kintyre Peninsula and the high, jagged spires of the northern Arran hills.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is Gaelic in origin, with Beinn Lochain translating as 'Mountain of the Little Loch'. This refers to Lochan nan Cat, which sits in the deep, steep-sided corrie on the mountain's eastern flank.
• •The hill is frequently climbed in tandem with its slightly higher neighbour to the north, Meall nan Damh, as part of a rugged circuit starting from the coastal road near Catacol.
• •From the summit, the view west is dominated by the Kintyre Peninsula and the distinctive Paps of Jura beyond, while looking east provides a sharp profile of the 'Witch's Step' (Ceum na Caillich) on the Caisteal Abhail ridge.
• •Unlike the popular granite peaks around Glen Rosa, this area of the island sees significantly fewer boots; the ascent is pathless in many sections, requiring navigating through heavy heather and over rocky outcrops.
• •The 'Little Loch' from which the hill takes its name is often better at collecting low clouds than providing a scenic picnic spot, frequently vanishing into the mist just as you gain the summit ridge.