Scotland
Beinn nan Caorach
774M
2539FT
About Beinn nan Caorach
Rising steeply above the Sound of Sleat, this rugged Corbett offers a challenging, pathless ascent through classic West Highland terrain. Often overlooked in favour of neighbouring Beinn Sritheall, its summit rewards walkers with an intimate perspective of the Kintail mountains and a clear sightline across the water to the Skye Cuillin.
Key Statistics
Rank
137th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Grampians
Prominence
?
227m
Nearest Town
Kyle of Lochalsh
Geology
You are walking over heat-altered sandstones and tough crystalline rocks, both pierced by veins of once-molten material that cooled deep within the earth.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NG871121
Latitude
57.1503°N
Longitude
5.5213°W
Did You Know?
- •The name derives from the Scottish Gaelic Beinn nan Caorach, meaning 'Hill of the Sheep,' a common but fitting descriptor for these steep, grassy slopes that have supported grazing for centuries.
- •Its position makes it a superior grandstand for the Cuillin of Skye; looking west, the distinctive jagged silhouettes of Sgùrr nan Gillean and Bruach na Frithe are unmistakable across the Sound of Sleat.
- •The hill is frequently bagged alongside Beinn Sritheall, but the descent to the 487-metre col at Bealach na h-Eangair requires a steady pair of knees and the mental fortitude for a steep second climb.
- •The mountain sits close to the historic Mam Ratagan pass, which reaches an elevation of 339 metres and served as the main drove road for cattle being moved from Skye to southern markets.
- •Despite being named after sheep, the terrain is often so steep that the local woolly inhabitants are the only ones who can navigate the slopes without looking like they are auditioning for a mountain rescue documentary.