Scotland
Beinn Donachain SW Top
644M
2112FT
About Beinn Donachain SW Top
Rising above the head of Loch Awe, this subsidiary top sits on the broad, often boggy ridges of the southern Grampians. While overshadowed by its parent peak, it offers a quieter perspective on the rugged glens of Argyll, providing a sense of isolation far from the busier Munros of the Orchy hills.
Key Statistics
Rank
145th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Grampians
Prominence
?
34.2m
Nearest Town
Argyll and Bute
Geology
This mountain is built from hard, crystalline quartzite and fine-grained, layered rocks. These sturdy foundations form the rugged slopes you are climbing today.
Find It
Latitude
56.4383°N
Longitude
4.9379°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely derives from the Scottish Gaelic 'Beinn Donnchaidh', meaning Duncan’s Hill, a common naming convention in the Highlands where peaks were associated with local figures or clan lands.
- •The SW Top is often visited as part of a longer traverse from the main summit of Beinn Donachain, navigating the high, rolling plateau that separates Glen Orchy from the Dalmally road.
- •The summit offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the sprawling waters of Loch Awe and the jagged, multi-peaked profile of the Ben Cruachan massif to the west.
- •Like many hills in this part of the Grampians, the terrain is characterized by a mix of coarse grass and granite, though local walkers often suggest 'moss and bog' is a more accurate description of the summit plateau.