Beinn nam Ban

About Beinn nam Ban

Rising steeply above the southern shores of Loch Broom, this rugged Marilyn provides a spectacular grandstand view of Ullapool and the Summer Isles. Its terrain is classic North West Highland—heather-clad and occasionally rocky—offering a quiet, manageable alternative to the more demanding giants of the nearby Fannichs and An Teallach.

Key Statistics

Find It

Did You Know?

• •The name translates from Scottish Gaelic as 'Hill of the Women.' This may refer to historical grazing rights or, more likely, to local folklore involving the Cailleach, the divine hag of Gaelic tradition.
• •The summit provides an exceptional perspective of the A835 road snaking through the glens below, alongside a direct line of sight to the distinctive sharp peaks of the Coigach peninsula and Ben Mor Coigach.
• •Hikers often approach from the south via the old stalking paths near Braemore, which pass through areas of regenerating native woodland before reaching the open, wind-scoured plateau.
• •Despite being well under 2,000 feet, its status as a Marilyn is well-earned; the significant drop between this hill and its neighbours ensures the sense of isolation at the top is surprisingly profound.
• •It serves as a reliable barometer for the weather on An Teallach; if the clouds have swallowed the summit of Beinn nam Ban, the big mountains across the water are almost certainly a white-out.