Beinn Bhàn (Arkaig)
| Beinn Bhàn | |||
| Inverness-shire | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Beinn Bhàn from the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge]]. | |||
| Range: | Arkaig | ||
| Summit: | 2,612 feet NN140857 56°55’24"N, 5°3’13"W | ||
Beinn Bhàn is a mountain in the Arkaig district of Inverness-shire. It stands 6 miles northwest of Spean Bridge. The hill is not to be confused with another and better known Beinn Bhàn on the Applecross peninsula of Ross-shire.
The name of the mountain is Gaelic, and means 'White Hill'; a relatively common name for Highland hills. Here though there are no natural features which could suggest a 'white hill' and local knowledge says that the hill is so named because snow lies on Beinn Bhàn earlier than any other hill in the district.[1]
Overview
Beinn Bhàn reaches a height of 2,612 feet and thus qualifies as a 'Corbett', and also a 'Marilyn'. The hill stands in Glen Loy, a minor side valley of the Great Glen and hill walkers will sometimes climb Beinn Bhàn along with another Glen Loy Corbett, Meall a' Phubuill to give a full days walking.
Much of the area around Beinn Bhàn was used for the training of British Commandos and United States Army Rangers during Second World War using the training depot at Achnacarry Castle on the northeast foothills.[2][3]
Geography
Standing in a region which has some of the highest mountains in the United Kingdom, Beinn Bhàn can be easily overlooked, however it is conspicuous in the view from the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, where its long northwest ridge is well seen rising from Glen Mallie to the summit ridge overlooking the Great Glen. The hill has three notable corries on its slopes, the south facing Coire Mhuilinn (corrie of the mill) above Glen Loy is smooth and grassy, while the two north facing corries of Coire Bhotrais (corrie of the rough miry holes) and Coire Dubh (black corrie) are more rocky and steeper in nature. All three corries bite significantly and high into the hill to give a mile-long narrow curving summit ridge which is above the 750 metre contour for its entire length.[4]
The highest point stands at the eastern end of the ridge and there are two lesser and unnamed tops, both with a height of 2,530 feet at the midpoint and western end. Several springs emerge on the summit ridge 200 yards west of the main summit and these are the origins of the stream which flows down Coire Mhuilinn.[5]
Summit and view
The highest point is marked by a trig point and a substantial cairn. The hill has a prominence of 1,624 feet, making it a fine view point. The view north takes in Loch Arkaig and its surrounding mountains but the highlight of the vista is south towards the Nevis Range, giving a fine prospect which looks straight up the valley of the Allt a Mhuillin and shows Britain's highest mountain to fine effect along with the neighbouring Càrn Mòr Dearg and Aonach Mòr.
Ascent
The most popular route of ascent and one which is recommended by most guide books approaches from the south, starting at the Inverskilavulin holiday development in Glen Loy. This route uses the ridges on both sides of Coire Mhuilinn for ascent and descent.
It is possible to approach Beinn Bhàn from the north, starting on the shore of Loch Arkaig with the possibility of using Invermallie bothy as a base.[6] This route is hindered by the presence of forestry plantations and thick heather on the lower slopes, when this is overcome it is then possible to reach the summit ridge by following the stream up Coire Dubh or using the ridges on either side.[7]
References
- ↑ "The Call Of The Corbetts", Irvine Butterfield, David & Charles, ISBN 0 7153 2754 2, Page 74 Gives etymology details.
- ↑ The Scotsman
- ↑ Info.cfm?Mountain =454 Munro Magic
- ↑ "Climbing The Corbetts", Hamish Brown, Baton Wicks, ISBN 1 898573 08 5, Page 249 Gives details of routes and geography.
- ↑ www.sub3000.com
- ↑ bothies.org.uk/bothy-details.asp?bothy_id=109 Mountain Bothies Association - Invermallie Bothy
- ↑ "The Corbetts And Other Scottish Hills", Scott Johnstone (editor), Scottish Mountaineering Club, ISBN 0 907521 29 0, Page 140 Gives details of routes.