Beinn Bheag

Beinn Bheag is a mountain summit in the Fannichs range of the north-west Highlands. It stands among the wild uplands east of Loch Broom, where the land rises sharply from moorland to rocky ridges. The mountain’s Gaelic name means ‘little hill’, yet it reaches 742 metres above sea level. Its grid reference is NH085714 on Ordnance Survey maps. The slopes are often boggy underfoot, with patches of heather and coarse grass. The hill is classified as a Marilyn, a Graham and a HuMP by hill-walkers. These labels come from height and topographic prominence rather than scenic beauty. The Marilyn label means it stands at least 150 metres above its col. The Graham label shows it is a subsidiary top of a larger Munro. Hill societies keep these lists up to date on the Database of British and Irish Hills. A walker follows a stalkers’ path from the forestry track near Loch Fannich. The route climbs steadily through birch and pine before opening onto open moorland. The final section is a broad, grassy ridge leading to the summit. From the top, views stretch north to Ben Wyvis and south to the Torridon peaks. On clear days the Moray Firth glints in the distance.