Scotland
Beinn Reithe
656M
2153FT
About Beinn Reithe
Rising steeply between the sea lochs of Goil and Long, this rugged peak offers a quieter alternative to the neighbouring Arrochar Alps. Its grassy, often pathless slopes lead to a summit ridge that commands exceptional views over the Ardgoil Peninsula and the deep, glacial troughs of the surrounding fjords.
Key Statistics
Rank
18th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Isle of Arran
Prominence
?
131.7m
Nearest Town
Argyll and Bute
Geology
This hill is built from ancient layers of compressed mud and sand. These are cut by tough ribs of volcanic rock that once squeezed into cracks deep underground.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NS229985
Latitude
56.1469°N
Longitude
4.8518°W
Did You Know?
- •The name originates from the Scottish Gaelic Beinn Reithe, which translates to 'Hill of the Ram', likely reflecting the area's long history of using the lower slopes for summer sheep grazing.
- •Classified as both a Hump and a Tump, the hill is frequently climbed as part of a demanding horseshoe circuit from the head of Loch Goil, often linked with its higher and craggier neighbour, The Brack.
- •From the summit, the view south follows the straight line of Loch Long as it meets the Firth of Clyde, where the jagged granite peaks of the Isle of Arran, including the profile of Goatfell, are clearly visible on the distant horizon.
- •The ascent provides a useful reminder that Scottish contours are often closer together in reality than they appear on a map, particularly when negotiating the pathless, knee-deep vegetation that guards the lower slopes.