An Staonaig

Tucked deep within the remote Gaick Forest south of Newtonmore, this substantial Grampian Tump offers a level of isolation rarely found so close to the A9. Its broad, heathery slopes form part of a vast high-altitude plateau, providing a quiet vantage point overlooking the dramatic glacial trench of Loch an t-Seilich.

• •The name is derived from the Gaelic 'An Staonaig', which translates as 'the slanting place' or 'the slope', likely describing the consistent gradient of the hill's western flank as it drops toward the Allt Gharbh Ghaig.
• •Despite its height of over 800 metres, it is frequently overlooked by walkers in favour of the neighbouring Munros, A' Bhuidheanach Bheag and Meall Chuaich, which sit on the same high plateau.
• •The summit offers a clear, elevated perspective of the Gaick Pass, a historic route through the Grampians, with the dark waters of Loch Bhrodainn visible to the north.
• •It is a hill that teaches the true meaning of 'Highland miles'; while it looks like a simple detour on the map, the terrain is a classic Grampian mix of deep heather and energy-sapping peat hags.