About this Munro
Beinn Innis an Loich is a 1009m Munro near Loch Ness, Scotland. Download the Munros app for routes, summit weather, and tracking.
The Climb
The approach to Beinn Innis an Loich forms part of the epic Strathfarrar Munros traverse, one of Scotland's most…
The Climb
The approach to Beinn Innis an Loich forms part of the epic Strathfarrar Munros traverse, one of Scotland's most…
The approach to Beinn Innis an Loich forms part of the epic Strathfarrar Munros traverse, one of Scotland's most demanding single-day outings. You'll face 36 kilometres of challenging terrain starting from the locked gate at Strathfarrar, requiring advance permission for vehicle access. The initial miles along the glen floor provide easier going before the serious climbing begins, with the gradient increasing as you work your way onto the higher ground where this 1009m peak sits.
The terrain on Beinn Innis an Loich is characteristically rough, with bog level 3/5 conditions testing your footwork throughout the day. Path quality varies considerably, from established tracks in the glen to pathless, tussocky ground on the mountain flanks. This is remote, serious hillwalking where the long distances and cumulative ascent demand excellent fitness and stamina, with 8-11 hours needed to complete the full circuit.
When to Climb
Beinn Innis an Loich is best attempted during the long days of late spring through summer when you have maximum daylight…
When to Climb
Beinn Innis an Loich is best attempted during the long days of late spring through summer when you have maximum daylight…
Beinn Innis an Loich is best attempted during the long days of late spring through summer when you have maximum daylight for the extended Strathfarrar round. The glen itself is relatively sheltered, but conditions on the higher tops can be harsh even in summer months. The Loch Ness region experiences somewhat drier conditions than the western Highlands, though weather remains highly variable and you should expect rain at any time of year.
Winter ascents of Beinn Innis an Loich are extremely serious undertakings, with short daylight hours making the already demanding distances barely feasible. Snow conditions and avalanche risk add significant technical challenges. Access through Strathfarrar also requires advance permission, which can be harder to arrange in stalking season from August through October, so plan accordingly and contact the estate well ahead of your visit.
Getting There
Access to Beinn Innis an Loich requires navigating to the Strathfarrar Gate, which marks the entrance to one of…
Getting There
Access to Beinn Innis an Loich requires navigating to the Strathfarrar Gate, which marks the entrance to one of…
Access to Beinn Innis an Loich requires navigating to the Strathfarrar Gate, which marks the entrance to one of Scotland's most restricted but beautiful glens. The gate is locked and vehicle access must be arranged in advance with the estate, with limited slots available particularly during summer months. Without vehicle permission, you face adding many extra kilometres to an already epic day, making this mountain inaccessible for most walkers.
The glen is reached via the A831 west of Cannich, with the gate located several miles up the single-track road into Strathfarrar. Planning is essential, as access permission can be booked weeks in advance during peak season. The remote nature of the location means there are no facilities, and mobile phone signal is extremely limited, so ensure you're fully self-sufficient before passing through the gate to begin your approach to Beinn Innis an Loich.
At the Summit
The summit of Beinn Innis an Loich stands at 1009 metres, marked by a cairn amid rocky terrain that characterises this…
At the Summit
The summit of Beinn Innis an Loich stands at 1009 metres, marked by a cairn amid rocky terrain that characterises this…
The summit of Beinn Innis an Loich stands at 1009 metres, marked by a cairn amid rocky terrain that characterises this high point. The top sits within a broader plateau of high ground, making it less dramatic than some neighbouring peaks but no less rewarding after the long approach. Shelter is minimal, with the exposed nature of the summit leaving you vulnerable to whatever wind sweeps across these remote heights.
Views from Beinn Innis an Loich extend across the wild country of Glen Strathfarrar and towards the mountains marching northward into increasingly remote territory. On clear days, the sense of space and isolation is profound, with evidence of human activity far below and distant. In cloud, the summit can be difficult to identify precisely amid the undulating high ground, requiring careful navigation to ensure you've reached the true top and can safely continue or descend from Beinn Innis an Loich.
Wildlife & Nature
Glen Strathfarrar is renowned for its ancient Caledonian pine forest remnants in the lower reaches, though you'll leave…
Wildlife & Nature
Glen Strathfarrar is renowned for its ancient Caledonian pine forest remnants in the lower reaches, though you'll leave…
Glen Strathfarrar is renowned for its ancient Caledonian pine forest remnants in the lower reaches, though you'll leave these behind as you climb towards Beinn Innis an Loich. The approach through the glen offers excellent opportunities to spot red deer, which are abundant in this area, particularly during morning and evening hours. The valley's relative remoteness also makes it excellent golden eagle territory, so scan the skies as you walk.
Higher on Beinn Innis an Loich, the vegetation transitions to typical Highland montane communities of hardy grasses, sedges, and heather giving way to moss and lichen-covered rocks near the summit. The bog level 3/5 rating indicates wet ground in places, supporting diverse wetland plant species. Mountain hares may be encountered on the higher slopes, while ptarmigan inhabit the summit plateau. The remoteness of these mountains means wildlife is less disturbed than in more accessible ranges.
Essential Tips
The Strathfarrar Munros, including Beinn Innis an Loich, represent one of Scotland's most serious single-day challenges,…
Essential Tips
The Strathfarrar Munros, including Beinn Innis an Loich, represent one of Scotland's most serious single-day challenges,…
The Strathfarrar Munros, including Beinn Innis an Loich, represent one of Scotland's most serious single-day challenges, with 36km and 4/5 difficulty requiring exceptional fitness and mountain experience. Navigation skills are paramount, particularly in cloud when the undulating terrain can become confusing. Carry multiple navigation aids and know how to use them in poor visibility conditions that commonly affect these hills.
Given the 8-11 hour time requirement, start as early as possible and pack sufficient food and water for a very long day. Water sources exist on the route, but carry purification tablets and sufficient capacity. The remoteness means self-rescue is your only option if things go wrong, as phone signal is absent and help is many hours away. Weather on Beinn Innis an Loich can be severe, so pack full emergency gear including shelter, extra layers, and supplies. Turn back early if conditions deteriorate rather than committing to the full round in marginal weather.
Nearby Munros in Loch Ness
Explore more peaks near Loch Ness.
Routes & Navigation
1 route available for Beinn Innis an Loich. Download the app for GPS tracks and live conditions.
Strathfarrar Munros from Glen Strathfarrar
HardFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Beinn Innis an Loich.
How tall is Beinn Innis an Loich?
Beinn Innis an Loich stands at 1,009 metres (3,310 feet), making it the 128th tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
What does Beinn Innis an Loich mean in Gaelic?
The name Beinn Innis an Loich translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Mountain of the Meadow of the Loch”.
How long does it take to climb Beinn Innis an Loich?
Depending on the route and conditions, climbing Beinn Innis an Loich typically takes between 8.7 and 11.3 hours round trip. The Munros app provides detailed time estimates for each route.
Where do I park for Beinn Innis an Loich?
The nearest parking for Beinn Innis an Loich is at Strathfarrar Gate. Check the Munros app for detailed parking coordinates and live conditions.
How difficult is Beinn Innis an Loich to climb?
Beinn Innis an Loich is rated Hard (difficulty 4/5). Route difficulty varies — check the Munros app for detailed ratings on each route.