Map & Elevation
About this Route
This is the direct out-and-back from Succoth to Beinn Narnain, using the steep southern ridge rather than the easier Cobbler path and Bealach a' Mhàim. The GPX measures 7.6 km, gains 994 m and gives a walking-time estimate of about 3 hours 34 minutes. Four to five hours is a more useful allowance for the rough upper ridge and careful descent.
From the Succoth car park, cross the A83 with care and pick up the old access line above the road. Concrete blocks mark much of the lower climb. It is relentlessly steep and can be wet and overgrown in places, but it provides a direct line onto Cruach nam Miseag.
Continue north as the ridge becomes rockier. Higher up, the distinctive Spearhead crag blocks the direct view of the summit. The normal walking line passes through rough ground and a gully to its right before regaining the ridge. Hands may be useful in a few places, though this is normally treated as a hillwalk rather than a technical scramble.
The 926 m summit is a fine viewpoint over the Arrochar Alps. This route does not continue to Beinn Ìme or descend by Bealach a' Mhàim; turn back and retrace the southern ridge. The descent is steep, loose and hard on tired legs, particularly around the Spearhead and concrete blocks. Avoid this line when iced unless properly equipped. Parking is busy, the A83 crossing needs patience, and full waterproofs plus independent navigation are sensible even though the route is relatively short.
The old concrete blocks make the direction obvious; they do not make this steep climb easy.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Leave the car park and cross the A83 carefully before joining the direct hill path above the road.
Follow the old concrete blocks steeply uphill; ignore the easier Cobbler path where routes diverge.
Continue on the direct line as the trees thin, watching for wet slabs and rough vegetation.
Gain the open southern ridge and keep north on the worn path towards Beinn Narnain.
The ground becomes rougher and less even; keep to the established line around small crags.
Approach the prominent crag and follow the normal rough gully line to its right.
Reach the 926 m summit and turn back; Beinn Ìme and Bealach a' Mhàim are not part of this GPX.
Retrace the Spearhead, southern ridge and concrete blocks, then cross the A83 carefully.
Essential Tips
The lower paths are easy to confuse. This guide uses the steeper direct concrete-block line.
Nearly 1,000 m is lost in under four kilometres. Wet blocks and loose upper ground need a controlled pace.
Use the worn line to the right of the crag and turn back if ice or poor visibility makes the route unclear.
Traffic can be fast near Succoth. Wait for a clear gap rather than rushing between the car park and hill path.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Beinn Narnain from Succoth?
Four to five hours is a realistic allowance for the round trip. The GPX gives a walking-time estimate of around 3 hours 8 minutes, but the rough upper ridge and careful descent on steep, loose ground usually take longer than the calculation suggests.
Is Beinn Narnain a scramble or a walk?
It's normally treated as a hillwalk rather than a technical scramble. You may need your hands in a few places around the Spearhead crag, but the route follows a worn path through rough ground and a gully rather than requiring proper scrambling skills.
What's the Spearhead on Beinn Narnain?
The Spearhead is a distinctive crag that blocks the direct view of the summit higher up the ridge. The normal walking line passes through rough ground and a gully to its right before regaining the ridge.