Beinn nam Ban

Beinn nam Ban (580 m ASL) sits on the peninsula between Little Loch Broom and Loch Broom in the north-west Highlands. It is not the most dramatic hill in the area and isn't flown often, but it makes a useful alternative to the bigger surrounding sites. Beinn nam Ban takes a westerly or north-westerly breeze, and in spring and summer it's often influenced by a sea breeze funnelled up Little Loch Broom. Under normal conditions XC potential from Badrallach is limited by geography (Dundonnell mountains south, Loch Broom curving north-east), but the site can still offer good soaring in the right wind.

Launch & conditions

From the parking area, head south-east picking the easiest line up broken hillside and rocky ground towards the summit. The west face is very steep and craggy — choose your launch spot carefully.

Getting there & local rules

Beinn nam Ban lies on the peninsula between Little Loch Broom and Loch Broom. Only one road leads onto the peninsula, well signposted about 3 km east of Dundonnell on the A832 Ullapool–Gairloch road. Turn off and follow the single track to a high point just before it doubles back to drop down to the coast — park here without blocking passing places or the gated track leading north down to the remote Altnaharrie Inn (an exclusive restaurant hotel on the side of Loch Broom). Landing: straightforward on the rough ground near the parking, or (better) on gentler terrain by the road, midway between Badrallach and Kildonan.

Local rules & hazards

Site is inside the Highland Restricted Area (HRA) — midweek flying is subject to strict restrictions. Watch for a rapidly strengthening sea breeze — Little Loch Broom funnels it up quickly, and it can catch out the unwary.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Beinn nam Ban, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Beinn nam Ban with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.