Beinn Eighe

Beinn Eighe is a long mountain ridge in Wester Ross with two main summits reaching 1010 meters above the surrounding landscape. Its slopes are covered in ancient pinewood forests and quartzite rock formations that define the terrain.

The mountain became Britain's first National Nature Reserve in 1951 to protect its geological features and native wildlife. This designation marked a turning point in how the country approached conservation.

The name comes from Gaelic meaning 'file mountain', reflecting how Highland communities named their geographical features. Visitors can trace this linguistic heritage through the landscape itself.

Hiking begins at the Coille na Glas Letire car park on the A832, with marked paths guiding visitors through ancient pinewood. Come prepared for changing weather conditions and wear sturdy footwear suited to mountain terrain.

The mountain is home to Herbertus borealis, a rare plant found nowhere else in Britain within its rock formations. This botanical rarity makes the steep terrain a valuable location for plant research.