Scotland
Beinn a' Ghraig West Top
530M
1739FT
About Beinn a' Ghraig West Top
Rising above the northern shores of Loch Na Keal on Mull, this rugged shoulder offers a pathless ascent through heather and basalt outcrops. It provides an intimate vantage point over the islands of Ulva and Gometra, serving as a quieter alternative or a natural stepping stone toward the higher main summit.
Key Statistics
Rank
126th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Data coming soon
Prominence
?
26
Nearest Town
Argyll and Bute
Geology
You are hiking across ancient lava flows and volcanic granite. These rocks are the frozen heart of a massive prehistoric volcano that once dominated this landscape.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NM536375
Latitude
56.4650°N
Longitude
6.0016°W
Did You Know?
- •The name derives from the Scottish Gaelic Beinn a' Ghràig, which is generally translated as the 'Hill of the Herd,' likely reflecting its historical use as summer grazing land for livestock moved up from the coastal settlements.
- •From this western vantage point, the view is dominated by the complex coastline of Loch Na Keal and the sprawling, low-lying profiles of the Treshnish Isles and Staffa on the Atlantic horizon.
- •The approach from the north-west near Ensay involves crossing the Allt an t-Sìthein, requiring careful navigation through heavy bracken and over the broken basalt ground characteristic of northern Mull.
- •While 90 metres lower than its parent peak, the West Top offers arguably better views of the coastal islands, providing the visual reward with slightly less of the uphill struggle.