Balnacoul Castle

Rising to 565 metres above Invergeldie in the southern Highlands, this modest summit takes its name from a ruined fortification that once stood in the vicinity. The ascent crosses typical Highland terrain of rough grass and heather, offering a quiet alternative to more celebrated peaks in the area. A Dodd and Tump, it rewards those willing to venture beyond the popular routes.

• •The name Balnacoul derives from the Gaelic 'Baile na Cùil', meaning 'settlement of the nook or corner', referring to a sheltered location rather than the castle itself, which likely took its name from the earlier settlement.
• •The castle referenced in the hill's name was a minor fortified dwelling rather than a grand fortress, typical of the small strongholds that dotted the Highlands to protect livestock and control local routes.
• •The grid reference NN730261 places this summit in an area historically used for summer shieling pastures, where Highland cattle were driven to graze the higher ground between May and autumn.