The Beinn Bhiorach (Steep Mountain) Trail

Description

Google Maps Name
Not Shown
Local Usage
The Beinn Bhiorach (pronounced [bɛn.ˈvɪ.ɾɪʧ]) Trail, the Steep Mountain Trail
Direction
Southwest to Northeast
Start Point
Either junction of the Beinn Bhiorach Trail and the MacKinnons Brook Trail: 46°09.768′N 61°25.952′W (main trail), 46°09.936′N 61°26.079′W (cut-off trail to the shore)
End Point
46°10.079′N 61°25.416′W, at the Beinn Bhiorach Trail Head
Length
1.8 km (1⅛ mi)
Classification
Hiking Trail
Surface
Mixed tread (dirt/gravel/roots/grass), with long grassy stretches
Condition
gGood to excellent
Route Description
The Cape Mabou Trail Club Map shows two routes for this trail, both starting along the MacKinnons Brook Trail: the main trail is but a minute’s walk north from the MacKinnons Brook Trail Head, while the cut-off trail to the shore starts a few minutes further north, beyond the side trail to the Meadows. The main trail is an easier climb than the cut-off trail, which is steeper. I have not recently hiked the lower portion of the main trail, which passes through a spruce forest that has been decimated by the spruce bark beetle; it was blocked by deadfalls, but I am told that it is now again open. In 2013, I hiked the cut-off trail, which was in generally good shape. The two routes converge at GPS 46°09.894′N 61°25.990′W and thereafter follow a single course up and along the southwestern ridge of Beinn Bhiorach. Beyond the cut-off trail junction, the trail passes along the side of the ridge with good views to the south and southeast of the MacKinnons Brook valley and the Highlands across it. Part of the trail is through forest, but a good portion is through open grassy areas with excellent backwards views that improve the higher one goes. The climb is steady and moderate for much of the trail, but, as one approaches the summit, the trail gets much steeper and the tread turns to gravel and small stones. In spite of the stiff climb, this final, fairly short stretch is easier to ascend, because gravity and the surface stones make for treacherous footing when descending. Once at the summit, the trail continues across a grassy meadow to the trail head; a side trail part way to the trail head leads to the side of the mountain with spectacular views reaching as far as St Georges Bay on a clear day.
Vic’s Scenic Rating
☆☆☆☆☆
Notes
Purchase the Cape Mabou Trail Club Map, available in most local stores and establishments in Mabou and Inverness: as well as giving you a map of the trail system, it will provide you with great information in planning your hike and will allow you to incorporate other trails into your day hiking the Cape Mabou Highlands.
Comments
In many ways, the summit Beinn Bhiorach is the focal point of the Cape Mabou Trail System, where three trails meet (and two others are close by), making it an ideal choice for any of several loop hikes. The magnificent panorama from the summit is unforgettable. On a day with good thermals, eagles are commonly seen in considerable numbers (I have seen twelve at once) riding them and socializing. On a clear day, Prince Edward Island can be seen without optics across the Gulf of St Lawrence.

Photo Catalogue

Click on any thumbnail to be taken to the photo essay page for that photo.

Thumbnail Date GPS Locality Where Caption
../essays/2/thumbnails/p8174037.jpg 2005
August
17
46°09.96?′N
61°25.68?′W
above “Little Benny” Descending Beinn Bhiorach
../essays/2/thumbnails/p8174023.jpg 2005
August
17
46°10.02?′N
61°25.56?′W
between the summit and “Little Benny” MacKinnons Brook Lane from above
../essays/2/thumbnails/p8174027.jpg 2005
August
17
46°10.02?′N
61°25.5??′W
below the summit of Beinn Bhiorach Eagles playing at Beinn Bhiorach
../essays/2/thumbnails/p6210830.jpg 2005
June
21
46°10.032′N
61°25.476′W
from the summit of Beinn Bhiorach close to its southern edge The Cape Mabou Highlands
../essays/2/thumbnails/p6210843.jpg 2005
June
21
46°10.032′N
61°25.476′W
from the summit of Beinn Bhiorach close to its southern edge The Cape Mabou Highlands with St Georges Bay and the mainland beyond
../essays/2/thumbnails/p6210853.jpg 2005
June
21
46°10.032′N
61°25.476′W
from the summit of Beinn Bhiorach close to its southern edge The Meadows at the foot of Beinn Bhiorach
../essays/2/thumbnails/p6210858.jpg 2005
June
21
46°10.08?′N
61°25.42?′W
on the summit of Beinn Bhiorach near the trail head The Beinn Bhiorach Summit