Munro Profile 28: Binnein Mòr

Region: Western Highlands – Mamores range
Height: 1,130m (3,707 ft)

Binnein Mòr, “big peak,” is the highest Munro in the Mamores, rising in elegant isolation near the eastern end of the ridge. Its summit spine is long and sculptural, with spurs reaching toward Na Gruagaichean, Binnein Beag, and the mythic folds of Sgùrr Èilde Mòr. Though remote-feeling, it’s accessible from Kinlochleven, with fine stalkers’ paths and dramatic ridge walking. The terrain is steep and rocky, demanding ceremonial pacing and confident movement. For campervan travellers, access begins at Mamore Lodge, with staging near woodland trails and legacy-linked glens.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Mamore Lodge car park (above Kinlochleven)
Location: End of steep access road from Kinlochleven village
Grid Reference: NN187622
Capacity: Limited; suitable for daytime campervan access with caution
Facilities: None at the trailhead; toilets and cafés in Kinlochleven
Charges: Free
Overnight: Not permitted at the trailhead; wild parking is discouraged nearby

Alternative Options

  • Kinlochleven: Campsite, fuel, shop, café, and community courtesy
  • Glencoe: Larger services and outdoor gear access
  • Wild parking: Laybys along the B863 (check signage and terrain)

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Circular route via Na Gruagaichean or direct via Coire an Lochain; often extended to include Binnein Beag or Sgùrr Èilde Mòr.
Distance: ~15–18 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,200–1,400 metres
Terrain: Stalkers’ paths, rocky ridges, steep scree
Time Estimate: 7 to 9 hours

Navigation Notes

  • Route begins from Mamore Lodge or lower Kinlochleven trails
  • Summit ridge is long and exposed, with minor tops and dramatic drops
  • Often linked with Na Gruagaichean, Binnein Beag, or Sgùrr Èilde Mòr for a multi-Munro circuit
  • Map and compass essential, a GPS is helpful for ridge transitions descent pacing
  • Weather can shift quickly, carry a full kit and respect the terrain’s sacred volatility

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Mamore Lodge access road is steep; use caution
  • Lower Kinlochleven offers safer staging with a short walk-in

Overnight Options

  • Kinlochleven Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys near Loch Leven
  • Glencoe: Full facilities and community courtesy

Fuel and Supplies

  • Kinlochleven: Fuel station, small shop, café
  • Ballachulish: Larger supermarket and outdoor gear
  • Outdoor gear: Available in Fort William and Inverness

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Binnein Mòr” means “big peak”
  • Summit features: Long spine, panoramic views, sculptural hush
  • Known for: Mamores prominence, ridge linkage, and sacred pacing
  • Popular with: Legacy stewards, ridge pilgrims, and those seeking mythic clarity

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 28 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve traced the big peak’s hush, paused at the spine’s edge, or found a rhythm in Mamore’s sculptural folds, your reflections are welcome. Each insight helps shape the archive and supports fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

Explore more with us: