Photo: Podzemnik · CC BY-SA 4.0
About this Munro
Beinn Ìme is a Munro rising to 1011m near Loch Lomond. The route is demanding, with long distances or complex terrain. Weather and visibility can significantly affect the experience.
The Climb
The ascent of Beinn Ìme is a demanding undertaking that tests your endurance and navigational skills. Starting from…
The Climb
The ascent of Beinn Ìme is a demanding undertaking that tests your endurance and navigational skills. Starting from…
The ascent of Beinn Ìme is a demanding undertaking that tests your endurance and navigational skills. Starting from Succoth Car Park, you'll tackle a long approach through forestry before breaking out onto open hillside where the gradient steepens considerably. The terrain becomes rockier as you gain height, with the path quality varying from well-trodden lower sections to more challenging, broken ground higher up.
Whether you approach Beinn Ìme directly or via Beinn Narnain, expect sustained climbing with bog level 3/5 conditions underfoot, particularly on the upper slopes where pathless sections require careful route-finding. The final push to the 1011m summit involves navigating through terrain that can be complex in poor visibility, making this the highest peak in the Arrochar Alps a serious mountaineering objective rather than a simple hillwalk.
When to Climb
You'll find Beinn Ìme most rewarding between late spring and early autumn when daylight hours are generous and the…
When to Climb
You'll find Beinn Ìme most rewarding between late spring and early autumn when daylight hours are generous and the…
You'll find Beinn Ìme most rewarding between late spring and early autumn when daylight hours are generous and the ground is firmest. The mountain's proximity to the west coast means it receives substantial rainfall throughout the year, so even summer months can bring sudden weather changes. Winter conditions from November through March transform Beinn Ìme into a serious mountaineering challenge, with snow, ice, and reduced daylight requiring winter skills and equipment.
Given the 6-8 hour time requirement for the various routes, an early start is essential, particularly in shoulder seasons when daylight is limited. The Loch Lomond region's weather can deteriorate rapidly, with cloud levels often dropping below the summit, so check forecasts carefully and be prepared to turn back if conditions worsen during your ascent of Beinn Ìme.
Getting There
Access to Beinn Ìme begins at Succoth Car Park near Arrochar, conveniently located just off the A83 at the head of Loch…
Getting There
Access to Beinn Ìme begins at Succoth Car Park near Arrochar, conveniently located just off the A83 at the head of Loch…
Access to Beinn Ìme begins at Succoth Car Park near Arrochar, conveniently located just off the A83 at the head of Loch Long. This well-used car park serves as the trailhead for several popular Arrochar Alps routes and can fill quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early to secure a space. The location is easily reached from Glasgow, approximately an hour's drive north through stunning lochside scenery.
The car park facilities are basic but adequate, and from here you'll follow clear paths into the forestry before the real work begins. Public transport options include trains to Arrochar and Tarbet station, though this adds extra distance to an already long day. The popularity of Beinn Ìme and its neighbours means the access routes are well-established, but parking can be challenging during peak season.
At the Summit
The summit of Beinn Ìme rewards your efforts with a substantial cairn marking the highest point in the Arrochar Alps at…
At the Summit
The summit of Beinn Ìme rewards your efforts with a substantial cairn marking the highest point in the Arrochar Alps at…
The summit of Beinn Ìme rewards your efforts with a substantial cairn marking the highest point in the Arrochar Alps at 1011 metres. The top is relatively broad and rocky, offering a stable platform to catch your breath and take in the surroundings, though exposed to whatever weather the west coast decides to deliver. On clear days, the views are magnificent, sweeping across the Southern Highlands and down to the sea lochs below.
You'll find little natural shelter at the summit of Beinn Ìme, so the cairn itself provides the only real wind protection. The rocky summit plateau can be confusing in mist, making careful compass work essential for a safe descent. The feeling of achievement on reaching this commanding peak is considerable, knowing you've conquered the monarch of the Arrochar range.
Wildlife & Nature
The lower slopes of Beinn Ìme transition from commercial forestry into native woodland remnants before opening onto…
Wildlife & Nature
The lower slopes of Beinn Ìme transition from commercial forestry into native woodland remnants before opening onto…
The lower slopes of Beinn Ìme transition from commercial forestry into native woodland remnants before opening onto heather moorland and grassland habitats. As you climb higher, the vegetation becomes sparser, giving way to montane heath communities with hardy grasses, sedges, and moss carpets that cling to the rocky ground. Red deer are frequently encountered on these hills, particularly in the corries and on the more sheltered slopes.
The western location and high rainfall create relatively lush conditions compared to eastern mountains, supporting diverse plant communities where drainage allows. Ravens and buzzards patrol the skies above Beinn Ìme, while ptarmigan may be spotted on the higher rocky areas, particularly in their winter plumage. The mountain's ecology reflects its position between maritime influences from the coast and the harsher montane conditions of higher Scottish peaks.
Essential Tips
Tackling Beinn Ìme requires serious preparation given the 4/5 difficulty rating and substantial distance of up to 25…
Essential Tips
Tackling Beinn Ìme requires serious preparation given the 4/5 difficulty rating and substantial distance of up to 25…
Tackling Beinn Ìme requires serious preparation given the 4/5 difficulty rating and substantial distance of up to 25 kilometres. Carry full hill-walking equipment including map, compass, and the skills to use them confidently, as the pathless upper sections and potential for cloud make navigation challenging. The bog level 3/5 rating means waterproof boots are essential, and gaiters will make the wetter sections more comfortable.
Water sources are generally available on the approach, but carry sufficient supplies for the long day. Phone signal is unreliable once you leave the valley, so don't depend on mobile navigation. Weather on Beinn Ìme can change rapidly, so pack extra layers, waterproofs, and emergency supplies. Allow plenty of time for the descent, which can be tiring after the long ascent, and consider the condition of your knees before committing to this demanding route.
Nearby Munros in Loch Lomond
Explore more peaks near Loch Lomond.
Routes & Navigation
2 routes available for Beinn Ìme. Download the app for GPS tracks and live conditions.
Beinn Ìme and Beinn Narnain from Arrochar
Hard6–7.8h round trip25.3km distance
Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ìme from Arrochar
Hard5.9–7.7h round trip20km distance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Beinn Ìme.
How tall is Beinn Ìme?
Beinn Ìme stands at 1,011 metres (3,317 feet), making it the 122nd tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
What does Beinn Ìme mean in Gaelic?
The name Beinn Ìme translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Butter Mountain”.
How long does it take to climb Beinn Ìme?
Depending on the route and conditions, climbing Beinn Ìme typically takes between 5.9 and 7.8 hours round trip. The Munros app provides detailed time estimates for each route.
Where do I park for Beinn Ìme?
The nearest parking for Beinn Ìme is at Succoth Car Park. Check the Munros app for detailed parking coordinates and live conditions.
How difficult is Beinn Ìme to climb?
Beinn Ìme is rated Hard (difficulty 4/5). Route difficulty varies — check the Munros app for detailed ratings on each route.