Map & Elevation
About this Route
This out-and-back climbs Beinn Shiantaidh, the eastern Pap of Jura, from the Three Arch Bridge over the Corran River. The GPX measures 18.8 km, gains 1,237 m and gives a walking-time estimate of about 6 hours 46 minutes. Allow seven to nine hours, as the boggy approach and loose quartzite are much slower than the distance alone suggests.
Follow the signed Paps Walk west into Gleann an t-Siob. The path comes and goes across very wet ground before reaching Loch an t-Siob. Cross the outflow on the stepping stones if water levels allow, then continue along the loch towards the foot of Beinn Shiantaidh.
The climb steepens sharply above the glen. Pick up the worn line through grass, boulders and bands of quartzite scree, aiming for the bealach on the mountain's western side. From there, turn east and follow the narrowing ridge to Beinn Shiantaidh's 757 m summit. The top is rough and exposed, with steep slopes falling towards the east.
Return by the same ridge and bealach, then retrace the long approach past Loch an t-Siob. This guide does not continue to Beinn an Òir or attempt the full Paps round. In mist, the similar-looking quartzite slopes make it easy to drift onto the wrong descent, so confirm the bearing before leaving the summit. Carry full waterproofs, food, water and independent navigation. Check ferry times and the forecast before setting out, and do not underestimate how much time the final boggy kilometres can take.
The long wet approach is part of the day here; reaching the quartzite ridge does not mean the hard work is over.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Park north of the Corran River and take the signed Paps Walk into the glen.
Follow the faint, boggy path west, checking the direction whenever the line disappears. Avoid following deer tracks that drift onto the lower slopes of the Paps.
Use the stepping stones only when safe, then continue along the loch. If the outflow is high, do not force the crossing because this is also the return route.
Leave the glen and begin the steep climb through grass and quartzite rubble. Pause here to identify the loch and outflow for the descent.
Keep to the worn line through loose boulders, avoiding unnecessary traverses across the scree. Test larger blocks before putting full weight on them.
Reach the col and turn east onto Beinn Shiantaidh's summit ridge. In cloud, take a bearing before leaving the wider ground of the bealach.
Reach the exposed 757 m top and return to the same bealach. Do not descend east or continue towards Beinn an Oir.
Retrace the loch outflow and boggy glen to the Corran River. Allow plenty of time for these final wet kilometres before the ferry.
Essential Tips
Bog and loose quartzite make the automated time optimistic. Plan for a full day and keep spare daylight for the slow return beside Loch an t-Siob.
Heavy rain can cover the stepping stones at Loch an t-Siob. Turn back if the crossing is unsafe.
In cloud, descend west to the recorded bealach rather than drifting onto steep eastern slopes.
Beinn an Òir and the full Paps traverse add substantial distance and difficulty and are not part of this GPX.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Beinn Shiantaidh?
Allow seven to nine hours for the full out-and-back route. The automated estimate is about 5.5 hours, but the boggy approach and loose quartzite scree are much slower than the distance suggests, so you need extra time.
What happens if I can't cross the stepping stones at Loch an t-Siob?
Turn back if the crossing is unsafe. Heavy rain can cover the stepping stones, and since this is also your return route, you shouldn't force it.
Is Beinn Shiantaidh suitable for beginners?
No, it's graded as strenuous. The route involves very wet and boggy ground, steep climbs through loose quartzite scree, and exposed ridges where navigation in mist is challenging.