Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean up Binnein Mor (Highland): route map, distance and time
1,130 m · Highland
Binnein Mor is the highest of the Mamores at 1130m, a shapely Munro with a narrow summit ridge above Kinlochleven and Glen Nevis.
Tracks and stalkers' paths climb north from Kinlochleven to the main ridge. You cross Na Gruagaichean and follow the narrow crest to Binnein Mor.
Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean at a glance
| Distance | 9.2 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 1,260 m |
| Time up | 3h 55m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 5h 45m, down the same way |
| Grade | Hard |
| Start | Kinlochleven (Mamore Lodge track) |
| Start grid reference | NN 186 619 |
| Summit grid reference | NN 212 663 |
Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- Bothy Bar0.5 km
- Public toilets0.2 km
- Kinlochleven Aire Site0.2 km
- Blackwater Campsite0.3 km
- MacDonald Hotel Campsite0.5 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 3h 15m | 4h 45m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 3h 55m | 5h 45m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 4h 50m | 7h 5m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:58, sunset 18:10. Start by 11:25 to be down before dark, allowing 5h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 08:01, sunset 18:08. Start by 11:23 to be down before dark, allowing 5h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Binnein Mor summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Mainly clear, up to 1°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -7°C, summit wind 12 mph gusting 15 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:58, sunset 18:10.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Mostly dry, up to 4°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -6°C, summit wind 30 mph gusting 37 mph, 4% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 08:01, sunset 18:08.
Best day of the next seven for Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 15 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Cloud inversion tomorrow morning: 65% (Good), best around 07:00. 7-day inversion outlook.
Hour-by-hour Binnein Mor forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Binnein Mor?
Before you go, also check: MWIS West Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast · SAIS Lochaber avalanche report.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -7°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Microspikes for icy paths. In snow, an ice axe and crampons and the skills to use them.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Binnein Mor
Binnein Mor is the highest of the Mamores at 1130m, a shapely Munro with a narrow summit ridge above Kinlochleven and Glen Nevis. More about Binnein Mor, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Binnein Mor South Top (1,062 m), 0.7 km south
- Sgor Eilde Beag (956 m), 1.3 km south-east
- Na Gruagaichean NW Top (1,039 m), 1.4 km south-west
- Na Gruagaichean (1,054 m), 1.5 km south-west
- Binnein Beag (943 m), 1.7 km north-east
- Sgurr Eilde Mor (1,010 m), 1.9 km east
Challenges that include Binnein Mor
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NN 186 619, the summit at NN 212 663), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean: questions and answers
How far is Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean?
Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean is 9.2 km one way to the summit of Binnein Mor, with 1,260 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 18.4 km.
How long does Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean take?
About 3h 55m to the summit of Binnein Mor and 5h 45m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 7h 5m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean?
Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean starts from Kinlochleven (Mamore Lodge track). The grid reference is NN 186 619.
Is Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean suitable for beginners?
Not as a first mountain. Peakify grades it Hard: steep, rough ground where a slip matters. Build up on an easier route first.
What time should I start Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean today?
By 11:25 at the latest. Sunset on Binnein Mor today is 18:10, Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean takes about 5h 45m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Kinlochleven via Na Gruagaichean?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).