933m · Loch Lomond

Beinn Chabhair

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Beinn Chabhair, at 933 metres, ranks among the smaller Munros but is a surprisingly rugged peak with real character, its summit ridge a lumpy collection of rocky knolls and grassy humps above the head of Loch Lomond.

The route is usually described from the Drovers Inn at Inverarnan, following the pavement to the turning for Beinglas Farm Campsite and crossing a bridge over the River Falloch. A steep, eroded path climbs beside the dramatic Beinglas Falls before easing onto notoriously boggy moorland, following the Ben Glas Burn towards Lochan Beinn Chabhair. Immediately before the lochan, the driest route forks left slightly to reach the foot of a wide grassy gully, where a clearer path resumes and climbs a steeper slope; higher up the path bears right and meanders along a complex ridge, weaving around and sometimes over rocky knolls and past several tiny lochans to reach the summit, with fine views north-west to An Caisteal and Beinn a' Chròin.

The mountain's multiple rocky knolls along the ridge can make the true summit genuinely hard to identify with confidence in poor visibility — several walkers have reported needing GPS confirmation even after reaching what appeared to be the highest cairn. The return is normally by the same route, retracing the ridge and descending past the falls back to Inverarnan.

The round trip from Inverarnan is around 13-14 kilometres, typically six to eight hours given the consistently boggy ground and steep, eroded sections.

This walk has a genuine reputation among regular Munro-baggers as harder than its modest height suggests — the initial ascent past the falls is steep and eroded, the moorland crossing is very wet in almost all conditions, and the summit ridge's complex layout of knolls demands careful navigation. An alternative, somewhat drier approach exists via Derrydarroch using a newer hydro track, avoiding some of the worst bog.

There is no dedicated public parking; walkers typically use the Drovers Inn car park at Inverarnan if buying food or drink, or Beinglas Campsite by arrangement. Citylink buses stop at Inverarnan.

Mountain Safety
  • Check the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) forecast before you set out, and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
  • Carry a map and compass (or GPS) and know how to use them — don't rely on a phone signal, which is unreliable or absent across most of the Highlands.
  • Pack full waterproofs, spare warm layers, food, water, and a head torch, even on a forecast-clear day — mountain weather changes fast.
  • Wear proper hillwalking boots with ankle support and a good grip; trainers are not suitable for rough or wet terrain.
  • Tell someone your planned route and expected return time before you leave.
  • In winter conditions, an ice axe, crampons, and the skills to use them safely are essential on any Munro.
  • If you get into difficulty, dial 999 (or 112) and ask for Police → Mountain Rescue.

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