Map & Elevation
About this Route
This is the usual short approach to Beinn Bheigier from Claggain Bay on Islay's south-east coast. The corrected GPX is 9.4 km out and back with about 490 m of climbing. It begins on the track beside the Claggain River, but most of the hill is pathless, so the modest distance should not be mistaken for an easy stroll.
Follow the track uphill on the east side of the river for roughly 800 m. Where it bends sharply left, cross the burn and stay with it until the track fades. From here the route climbs north-west over grass, heather and increasingly stony ground towards the broad south-east shoulder. There is no single path to follow. The line reaches the south-east top first, then continues along the broad ridge for about a mile to Beinn Bheigier's 491 m summit. On a clear day the ridge is easy to understand; in cloud, the featureless slopes and several changes of direction need careful compass work.
Return by the same ridge and south-east shoulder, resisting the temptation to drop directly towards the coast. The lower ground can be very wet, and the burn crossing may be awkward after heavy rain. This is a quiet and fairly remote corner of Islay, so carry everything you need, leave details of your plan with someone, and do not rely on having a phone signal throughout the walk.
The climb is short on paper, but pathless ground and Islay weather make this a proper hill day.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Begin beside the minor road at Claggain Bay. Make sure the vehicle is completely clear of gates and passing places before setting off.
Follow the rough track uphill on the east side of the river. It gives an easy start, although puddles and soft verges are common after rain.
At the obvious left bend, cross the burn and continue on the track. Check the water level now, as this is also your crossing on the return.
The vehicle track fades and the rest of the ascent is pathless. Take a north-westerly line and use the broad south-east shoulder as the main handrail.
Climb steadily over grass, heather and scattered stones. Choose firm ground rather than following every faint animal trod, as many peter out.
Gain the broad high ground south-east of the main summit. In mist, take a bearing before turning north-west along the ridge.
Reach the 491 m summit at the north-west end of the ridge. Return the same way; the steep ground north and west does not lead back to Claggain Bay.
Retrace the ridge and south-east shoulder, pick up the old track and recross the burn to the road.
Essential Tips
Only the opening section uses a track. Carry a map and compass and be ready to navigate over rough grass and heather, particularly on the descent.
The crossing near the sharp bend can rise quickly. If it is unsafe on the way up, turn back rather than hoping it will be lower later.
Nine kilometres sounds short, but tussocks, bog and route-finding slow the walk. Leave more daylight than the mileage alone suggests.
Parking at Claggain Bay is limited. Do not block gates, tracks or passing places, and be prepared to use another legal spot if the verge is full.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Beinn Bheigier from Claggain Bay?
The walk takes about 2 hours 41 minutes using Naismith's Rule, but allow extra time. The pathless ground, tussocks, and bog slow you down more than the 9.4 km distance suggests.
Is there a path all the way up Beinn Bheigier?
No, only the first 800 metres follow a track beside the river. After that, the entire route is pathless over grass, heather, and stony ground, so you'll need to navigate with map and compass.
Is Beinn Bheigier suitable for beginners?
No, this is graded as strenuous. The pathless terrain, potential for difficult navigation in mist, remote location, and unreliable phone signal mean it's only suitable for experienced hillwalkers with good navigation skills.