Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
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56.22136°N / 4.79012°W |
Activities:
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Hiking, Mountaineering |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
Elevation:
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3038 ft / 926 m |
|
Overview
Beinn Narnain appears prominently from the shores of Loch Long in Arrochar and is marginally over shadowed (in noteriety) by its smaller neighbour The Cobbler.
It rises sharply from the head of Loch Long via its south east ridge rising over the knoll of Cruach nam Miseag to the rocky prow of The Spearhead and the little level plateau of its summit. Beinn Narnain's other principal ridge runs north east over Creag Tharsuinn to the peak of A'Chrois. One of the most striking features of this peak lies between it and the Cobbler. On the path, in the glen between both peaks, two large rocks that have fell from Beinn Narnain sit. These are the famous Narnain boulders. A timely reminder to keep a watchful eye around you at all times as getting crushed by a huge boulder is not on anyones list of things to do!!!
Beinn Narnain stands at a height of 926m/3038ft and is listed as Munro No.259. It's translation from Gaelic to English is Hill of the Notches and is pronounced as it is spelt.
The summit itself is very rocky and appears almost moon like. It commands fine vies all around with the views down Loch Long to the Kyles of Bute and across to Arran being the most beautiful.
Getting There
The best city in Scotland for Beinn Narnain is Glasgow, however access can be gained from a variety of locations.
Airports
There are a variety of airports throughout Scotland that would provide easy access to Beinn Narnain. Below are a selection of the homepages for these airports;
Glasgow Airport
Edinburgh Airport
Prestwick International Airport
Car
From Edinburgh follow the M8 westbound direct to Glasgow.
From Perth/Stirling follow the A9/M80 direct to Glasgow.
From Glasgow take the A82 road via Loch Lomond until reaching Tarbet. For Arrochar and Glen Douglas continue straight on at Tarbet (this is the A83 road).
The following link can be used for gaining step by step car directions to Beinn Narnain from anywhere in the UK or for variations to the route(s) described above: AA Route Planner
Train
Glasgow Queen Street station direct to Arrochar.
Scotrail info
Bus
Buses run daily from Buchanan Street bus station in Glasgow to Campbell Town, via Arrochar.
Scottish City Link info
Arrochar Alps panorama from the south. (Photo by Boydie)
Red Tape
There is no red tape in Scotland due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which incorporated the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This code, which commenced on the 9th of February 2005, has established statutory rights of access to land and inland water for outdoor recreation.
The Land Reform(Scotland) Act 2003
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
The following aspects should be taken into consideration when you are in the Scottish countryside;
- Seek local advice in regard to deer stalking or grouse shooting activities
- Ensure that all gates are closed behind you
- During the lambing season (March to May) ensure that all dogs are kept on a lead
- Please refrain from feeding or annoying any animals
- Limited parking space is available at the start of many routes, please ensure that you are not blocking a road and/or entrance
- Parking is provided at the start of some routes by the local farmers, it is polite to ask if you can use this facility
- Try to refrain from crossing fields with animals and/or crops if an alternative route is available
- Ensure that you treat the local environment with care by leaving it as you found it and by taking any litter home with you
- Any camp fires should be carefully watched and only used away from dense forest areas
Deer Stalking Information
Deer stalking takes place in Scotland between July and October. Information on this can be found at Hill Phones
The main stalking dates for GlenFyne/Glen Falloch: Mid August until mid October. Telephone: Cairndow (01499) 600137 for a regularly updated recorded message on stalking activities.
When on the hills during these times walkers can help to avoid disturbing the deer by:
1. Checking with the estate or appropriate Hillphone service.
2. Find out about stalking activities before you go.
3. On the day, follow any advice on locally posted signs about preferred routes.
4. Keep to established tracks where they exist.
5. On the hill, keep to the ridges and avoid cutting through corries especially when descending as this will disturb the deer less.
It should be noted that no deer stalking takes place on Sundays.
Accommodation
Below is a list of possible accommodation venues that are located in the direct vacinity of Beinn Narnain.
Hotels/B&B's
Tarbet hotel
Colquhoun Arms Hotel
Rowantree Cottage
Ardlui Hotel
Hostels/Lodges
Lodge on Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Youth Hostel
Campsites
Ardgarten campsite
Beinglas Campsite
Wild Camping
- The larger the group, the harder it is to keep impacts to a minimum. Keep groups small.
- Camp as unobtrusively as possible.
- Remember that noise travels from tents disturbing wildlife as well as humans.
- Enjoy the freedom of wild camping without leaving a trace of your passage. Protect our country's outstanding scenery and wildlife as well as the wilderness experience.
- Camping on the same spot harms vegetation. Aim to move frequently and do not stay for any longer than 3 nights in the same place.
- Lighting fires poses a high fire risk on peaty soils and close to tinder dry grass. A high risk of fire can exist at any time of year, and not just in times of drought.
- Watercourses and loch sides are important sites for birds and animals. Take extra care when camping near burns and lochs, and try to avoid camping immediately beside them.
- Always find a spot at least 30 metres from fresh/running water when going to the toilet.
- Bury excrement in a small hole (not under boulders). A trowel or ice axe can be used to lift a flap of turf.
- Remove all litter (even other peoples!) Think ahead and only carry in what you are prepared to carry out.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland provides an invaluable leaflet providing a full breakdown of the dos and don'ts of wild camping in Scotland. Wild Camping, A guide to good practice.
Books & Maps
Books
Ski Mountaineering in Scotland by Donald Bennet & Bill Wallace
The Southern Highlands by Donald Bennet
Scottish Hill and Mountain Names by Peter Drummond
The Munros by Cameron McNeish
The Munro Almanac by Cameron McNeish
Climbers guide to Arran, Arrochar and the Southern Highlands by K.V. Crocket & A. Walker
The Scottish Peaks by W.A. Poucher
Cicerone Guide - Central and Southern Scottish Highlands – backpacking guide by Graham Uney
Cicerone Guide - Scotland’s Mountain Ridges - A Guide to Scrambles and Climbs by Dan Bailey
Cicerone Guide - The Munros Vol 1 - Southern, Central and Western Highlands by Steve Kew
Maps
Landranger Map 56 - Loch Lomond & Inverary
OS Map Explorer sheet 364 - Loch Lomond North
Harvey Superwalker Map - Arrochar Alps
Mountain Conditions
Cowal & the Arrochar Alps are fully accessible throughout the entire year however, the weather conditions in the Grampians of Scotland can change rapidly and for that reason you should be fully prepared for all weather eventualities when on the mountains in this area.Western Highlands Mountain Forecast
Local Mountain Forecast
Video Link
The following link provides information on Beinn Narnain from an old Scottish television programme from the 90's called The Munro Show;External Links
Visit Scotland
Discover Scotland
Undiscovered Scotland
The Scottish Mountaineering Club
Munro Magic
Hill Phones
Buachaille.com
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland
Walk Highlands