Beinn Bhàn

Beinn Bhàn is a mountain in the Highland Council Area, part of the Lochaber region. It stands in Glen Loy, a side valley of the Great Glen, about six miles north-west of Spean Bridge. The hill reaches 796 metres and is classified as a Corbett and a Marilyn. Its name means ‘White Hill’ in Scottish Gaelic, a reference to the snow that lingers longer here than on any nearby peak. During the Second World War the surrounding land served as a training ground for British Commandos and American Rangers from Achnacarry Castle. The mountain’s slopes hold three corries. Coire Mhuilinn faces south and is smooth and grassy, while Coire Bhotrais and Coire Dubh face north and are steeper and rockier. These bite deeply into the hill, creating a narrow summit ridge that curves for two kilometres above the 750-metre contour. The highest point is at the eastern end, marked by a trig point and a large cairn. From the top the view stretches north to Loch Arkaig and south to the Ben Nevis range. The usual way up starts at the Inverskilavulin holiday development in Glen Loy. Walkers follow the ridges on either side of Coire Mhuilinn to reach the summit. An alternative route begins at Loch Arkaig and uses Invermallie bothy as a base, though forestry plantations and thick heather make the lower slopes harder going. Once past these obstacles, the route follows the stream up Coire Dubh or uses the flanking ridges to reach the summit ridge.