Scotland
Benyellary
719M
2359FT
About Benyellary
Serving as the gateway to the Merrick, this grassy shoulder in the Range of the Awful Hand provides a rugged, windswept introduction to the Galloway Highlands. The climb from Loch Trool is brisk but rewarding, revealing the dramatic crags of the Howe of the Caldrons and the deep waters below.
Key Statistics
Rank
13th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Uplands
Prominence
?
57m
Nearest Town
Dumfries and Galloway
Geology
The ground beneath you belongs to the Kirkcolm Formation, a rugged foundation of hardened sandstone.
Classifications
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NX414839
Latitude
55.1241°N
Longitude
4.4874°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Gaelic Beinn na h-Iolaire, which translates to 'Hill of the Eagle.' This refers to the golden eagles that have historically nested in the wilder corners of the Galloway Forest Park.
- •It is a key milestone on the most popular ascent of the Merrick; most walkers reach this summit via the well-defined path from Bruce’s Stone at the head of Loch Trool.
- •To the east, the summit provides a clear, dramatic view of the Gairy of Pulnee, a steep glacial hanging valley that drops away toward the dark waters of Loch Enoch.
- •The hill is part of the Range of the Awful Hand, so named because its five main ridges—Benyellary, Merrick, Kirriereoch Hill, Tarfessock, and Shalloch on Minnoch—resemble the fingers of a hand on a map.
- •Despite the name, you are statistically more likely to find your boots sinking into a hidden Galloway peat hag than you are to spot a golden eagle, especially if you lose the track in the mist.