Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)
1,008m
Perthshire
“Red Mountain”
1,008mHeight
20kmRound trip
8–10.4hWalk time
ModerateDifficulty 2/5
Photo: Espandero · CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
About this Munro
Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) is a 1,008m Munro in the Perthshire region, its Gaelic name meaning “red mountain”. It stands 129th of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Beinn Dearg and Beinn Mheadhonach from Old Bridge of Tilt — is a 20km round trip taking 8–10.4 hours, rated moderate (2/5).
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Routes & Navigation
There is 1 route to the summit of Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl), covering 20km.
Route preview
Beinn Dearg and Beinn Mheadhonach from Old Bridge of Tilt
Moderate8–10.4h round trip20km distance↑806m ascent
Bog ratingModerate
ParkingOld Bridge of Tilt
Step-by-step guideIn the app
Climbing Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)
Beinn Dearg in Perthshire rises to 1008 metres, with the route from Old Bridge of Tilt covering 20 kilometres of varied…
Climbing Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)
Beinn Dearg in Perthshire rises to 1008 metres, with the route from Old Bridge of Tilt covering 20 kilometres of varied…
Beinn Dearg in Perthshire rises to 1008 metres, with the route from Old Bridge of Tilt covering 20 kilometres of varied Highland terrain. Despite the 2/5 difficulty rating, the long distance and 8 to 10.4-hour time requirement mean this is still a serious mountain expedition requiring good fitness and stamina.
The ascent follows good stalkers' paths through Glen Tilt initially, with the 3/5 bog rating indicating moderate wet sections to negotiate. As you climb towards Beinn Dearg, the terrain becomes progressively steeper and more exposed. The mountain's name, meaning 'Red Mountain,' refers to the reddish hues of the rocks and vegetation, particularly noticeable in certain lights.
While the technical difficulty is moderate, the sustained effort over the long distance should not be underestimated.
Best Time to Climb Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)
Beinn Dearg is best climbed between late spring and early autumn when you have adequate daylight for the 8 to 10.4-hour…
Best Time to Climb Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)
Beinn Dearg is best climbed between late spring and early autumn when you have adequate daylight for the 8 to 10.4-hour…
Beinn Dearg is best climbed between late spring and early autumn when you have adequate daylight for the 8 to 10.4-hour expedition. The Perthshire location means this mountain experiences a mix of weather patterns, with somewhat more continental influences than peaks further west.
Summer provides the most reliable conditions for Beinn Dearg, with long days and the best chance of settled weather. The relatively modest 2/5 difficulty rating means this peak is accessible to experienced walkers across a reasonable season. Winter ascents require winter mountaineering skills and equipment, as the mountain can accumulate significant snow despite the moderate technical difficulty.
Always check the mountain forecast before setting out, as conditions at over 1000 metres can be severe even when valleys are calm.
Getting to Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)
Access to Beinn Dearg begins at Old Bridge of Tilt, located a short distance from Blair Atholl village in Perthshire.…
Getting to Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)
Access to Beinn Dearg begins at Old Bridge of Tilt, located a short distance from Blair Atholl village in Perthshire.…
Access to Beinn Dearg begins at Old Bridge of Tilt, located a short distance from Blair Atholl village in Perthshire. Parking is available near the bridge, from where you'll follow the track up Glen Tilt into the heart of the mountains.
Blair Atholl is easily reached from the A9 and offers facilities including shops and cafes where you can stock up on supplies. The village is also served by a railway station on the Highland Main Line, making car-free access feasible for those willing to add a bit of extra distance. The approach through Glen Tilt is one of the most scenic in the Highlands, following an ancient right of way.
Mobile phone signal is reasonable around Blair Atholl but becomes unreliable once you're deep into Glen Tilt and on Beinn Dearg itself.
Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) Summit
The summit of Beinn Dearg at 1008 metres provides rewarding views across the Perthshire Highlands. The cairn marks the…
Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) Summit
The summit of Beinn Dearg at 1008 metres provides rewarding views across the Perthshire Highlands. The cairn marks the…
The summit of Beinn Dearg at 1008 metres provides rewarding views across the Perthshire Highlands. The cairn marks the highest point, and on clear days you can appreciate the surrounding mountain landscape that makes this region so popular with hillwalkers.
The summit area offers limited shelter from the wind, so be prepared to don extra layers even on otherwise pleasant days. The reddish coloration that gives Beinn Dearg its name is often most apparent in the late afternoon sun. In poor visibility, the summit requires careful navigation, though the relatively well-defined features make route-finding more straightforward than on some other mountains.
Take time to properly identify your descent route before leaving the cairn, particularly if cloud has descended since your ascent.
Wildlife on Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)
The approach through Glen Tilt to Beinn Dearg passes through beautiful Highland scenery including remnant woodland,…
Wildlife on Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)
The approach through Glen Tilt to Beinn Dearg passes through beautiful Highland scenery including remnant woodland,…
The approach through Glen Tilt to Beinn Dearg passes through beautiful Highland scenery including remnant woodland, heather moorland, and alpine grassland. Red deer are abundant in this area, and Glen Tilt is renowned for the large herds that can be encountered, particularly during the rutting season in autumn.
Higher on Beinn Dearg, the vegetation becomes more sparse and wind-sculpted, with montane grassland giving way to alpine heath near the summit. Mountain hare inhabit the higher slopes, and ptarmigan may be encountered near the top. Golden eagles hunt across this landscape, and ravens are commonly seen performing their acrobatic displays.
The Perthshire location means Beinn Dearg experiences somewhat less rainfall than western mountains, with vegetation reflecting these slightly drier conditions. The reddish tones in the rocks and soil that give the mountain its name create a distinctive landscape.
Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) Tips
Despite the 2/5 difficulty rating, the 20-kilometre distance for Beinn Dearg means you need to be fit and well-prepared.…
Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) Tips
Despite the 2/5 difficulty rating, the 20-kilometre distance for Beinn Dearg means you need to be fit and well-prepared.…
Despite the 2/5 difficulty rating, the 20-kilometre distance for Beinn Dearg means you need to be fit and well-prepared. Carry comprehensive navigation equipment including map, compass, and GPS. The 3/5 bog rating means waterproof boots and gaiters are essential for comfort.
Pack ample food and water for the 8 to 10.4-hour expedition, ensuring you have high-energy snacks to maintain your stamina. Weather at over 1000 metres can be significantly worse than in Glen Tilt, so carry warm layers, waterproofs, hat, and gloves. Mobile phone signal is unreliable on the mountain, so ensure someone knows your planned route and expected return time. The long distance means you should start early and maintain a steady pace.
While Beinn Dearg is technically straightforward, the commitment required for any 20-kilometre mountain day means you should be an experienced and fit hillwalker before attempting this peak.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl).
How tall is Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)?
Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) stands at 1,008 metres (3,307 feet), making it the 129th tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
What does Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) mean in Gaelic?
The name Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Red Mountain”.
How long does it take to climb Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)?
Climbing Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) typically takes between 8 and 10.4 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen.
Where do I park for Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)?
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl), in the Perthshire area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.
How difficult is Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) to climb?
Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) is rated Moderate (difficulty 2/5).
What is the best route up Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)?
The most popular route up Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) covers 20km, 8–10.4 hours round trip.
Is Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) good for beginners?
Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) in the Perthshire area is well suited to walkers with some hillwalking experience. Rated difficulty 2/5 at 1,008m, the paths are clear and the terrain is not technically demanding.
What region is Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) in?
Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl) is in the Perthshire region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include An Stùc, Beinn Ghlas, Beinn Heasgarnich.