Beinn Mhanach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beinn Mhanach |
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The western approach to Beinn Mhanach
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 953 m (3,127 ft) |
| Listing | Munro, Marilyn |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Monks' hill |
| Language of name | Gaelic |
| Geography | |
| Location | Perthshire, Scotland |
| Parent range | Bridge of Orchy Hills, Grampians |
| OS grid | NN373412 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 50, OS Explorer 377 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | By Auch or Achaladair farm |
Beinn Mhanach is a mountain in the western highlands of Scotland. Its name means 'Monk's hill' in Gaelic. This mountain is located on the northern side of Loch Lyon. It is about eight kilometres east of Bridge of Orchy.
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What is Beinn Mhanach?
Beinn Mhanach is a mountain with two rounded tops. You can clearly see these summits from the West Highland Line. They are also visible from the A82 road. This road runs between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy. The mountain is about 8 kilometres north-east from this area. It sits at the top of a valley called Auch Gleann.
Exploring Beinn Mhanach's Geography
Beinn Mhanach has two main summits. The highest point reaches 953 metres (3,127 feet) above sea level. The southern side of the mountain has gentle, grassy slopes. However, the northern side is more rugged and rocky. This makes the northern part feel more wild and remote.
The History Behind Beinn Mhanach's Name
The name Beinn Mhanach means 'Monk's hill'. This name comes from a monastery that once stood at the base of the mountain. Long ago, members of the Clan Gregor used this monastery. They would stop there when traveling between Glen Lyon and their burial ground in Glen Orchy. Today, there are no signs left of the old monastery.
A famous poet named Duncan Ban MacIntyre once lived near here. He wrote a well-known poem about a nearby mountain, Beinn Dorain. His cottage, now a ruin, was located at Ais-an-t-Sidhean. This spot is at the head of Auch Gleann. Today, the ruined cottage is used as a shelter for sheep.
How to Climb Beinn Mhanach
There are two main ways to climb Beinn Mhanach. Both routes offer a great adventure for hikers.
Starting from Auch
One popular route begins near Auch. You can park your car on the A82 road close to a private road. From there, you walk up Auch Gleann. You will pass the old ruined cottage at Ais-an-t-Sidhean. To reach the top of Beinn Mhanach, you will walk across the slopes to the north-east of Beinn a'Chuirn.
Starting from Achallader Farm
Another way to climb Beinn Mhanach starts from Achallader farm. This farm is located at grid reference NN322442. Hikers often choose this route when they also plan to climb the nearby mountains. These include Beinn Achaladair and Beinn a' Chreachain.
