Scotland
Creag na h-Iolaire South Top
523M
1716FT
About Creag na h-Iolaire South Top
Situated in the rugged heart of North Harris, this 523m peak offers a classic Hebridean ascent. Its name, 'Crag of the Eagle', reflects the rocky character of the terrain. Reached via steep slopes above the A859, the summit provides a sharp vantage point over Loch Seaforth and the fractured Harris coastline.
Key Statistics
Rank
356th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Data coming soon
Prominence
?
22
Nearest Town
Carrbridge
Geology
This peak is formed from hard, sand-rich rocks transformed by extreme heat and pressure. These rugged, layered stones were once partially melted deep within the earth.
Classifications
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NH916288
Latitude
57.3376°N
Longitude
3.8015°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Creag na h-Iolaire', which translates as 'Crag of the Eagle'. It remains prime territory for golden eagles, which are frequently sighted riding the thermals over the North Harris hills.
- •From the summit, the view to the east is dominated by the deep, fjord-like waters of Loch Seaforth, while to the west, the vast expanse of Loch Langavat cuts through the interior toward the Lewis border.
- •This hill sits within the North Harris Trust estate, a significant 25,000-acre area of land that came into community ownership in 2003, focusing on sustainable development and conservation.
- •The ground here is composed of Lewisian Gneiss; at nearly three billion years old, these are among the oldest rocks found anywhere on Earth.
- •While the name suggests a grand avian encounter, a typical day on these slopes involves a much more grounded struggle with the island's famously deep and unforgiving peat hags.