“Butter Mountain”
Beinn Ìme is a 1,011m Munro in the Loch Lomond region, its Gaelic name meaning “butter mountain”. It stands 121st of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Beinn Ìme and Beinn Narnain from Arrochar — is a 25.3km round trip taking 6–7.8 hours, rated hard (4/5).
There are 2 routes to the summit of Beinn Ìme, ranging from 20km.
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Unlock with Munros+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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Common questions about climbing Beinn Ìme.
Beinn Ìme stands at 1,011 metres (3,317 feet), making it the 121st tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
The name Beinn Ìme translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Butter Mountain”.
Climbing Beinn Ìme typically takes between 5.9 and 7.8 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen — there are 2 routes to the summit.
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Beinn Ìme, in the Loch Lomond area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.
Beinn Ìme is rated Hard (difficulty 4/5). All 2 routes share this grade. In practice that means long, steep, rough ground where confident footwork and navigation matter.
The most popular route up Beinn Ìme covers 20km, 5.9–7.7 hours round trip. There are 2 routes to the summit in total, ranging from Hard to Hard difficulty.
No — Beinn Ìme (difficulty 4/5 at 1,011m) is best suited to experienced hillwalkers in the Loch Lomond area. Expect sustained steep terrain and the need for confident navigation in poor visibility.
Beinn Ìme is in the Loch Lomond region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include An Caisteal, Beinn a' Chròin, Beinn Chabhair.
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