Scotland
Beinn Mhealaich
592M
1942FT
About Beinn Mhealaich
Situated in the quiet corner of eastern Sutherland near Helmsdale, this rounded heathery Marilyn offers a genuine sense of isolation. The climb across classic Highland peat moorland leads to a summit plateau with a vast outlook, providing a perfect vantage point for surveying the remote, rolling landscapes of the far northeast.
Key Statistics
Rank
109th Highest in Region
Parent Range
North West Highlands
Prominence
?
256m
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
You’re walking on Helmsdale Granite, which formed in two stages. Look for a mix of rock with large crystals and a smoother, finer-grained stone.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NC960149
Latitude
58.1114°N
Longitude
3.7651°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is Gaelic, with Beinn meaning mountain and Mhealaich meaning "of honey" or "sweet," likely referring to the richness of the grazing or the heather bloom on its slopes.
- •The summit provides a clear perspective on the interior Flow Country, with the distant, sharp peaks of Morven and Scaraben standing out as the primary landmarks to the north.
- •To the south, the view opens up significantly across the Moray Firth, often allowing walkers to see the distant coastline of the Black Isle and the hills of Easter Ross on a clear day.
- •Its height of 592 metres places it just 18 metres short of Corbett status, though its prominence ensures it remains a significant objective for those exploring the coastal fringes of the North West Highlands.
- •Though the name promises honeyed sweetness, the actual experience of navigating the sodden peat hags of Sutherland suggests the original namer possessed a healthy sense of Highland optimism.
