Beinn a' Mhadaidh

About Beinn a' Mhadaidh

Rising above the Rhidorroch Forest near Ullapool, this modest Hump offers a rugged, heathery ascent typical of the North West Highlands. Its summit provides a fine vantage point over Loch Achall and towards the more imposing peaks of Coigach and Assynt, making it a rewarding outlier for those seeking solitude.

Key Statistics

Find It

Did You Know?

• •The name Beinn a' Mhadaidh translates from Scottish Gaelic as 'Hill of the Dog' or, more accurately in a historical context, 'Hill of the Wolf,' referring to the predators that once roamed the Highland wilderness.
• •The summit offers a commanding view of the 'Big Wilderness' to the east, but the highlight is the westward look down the length of Loch Achall toward the coastal village of Ullapool and the summer isles beyond.
• •Access is most commonly gained via the estate track through Glen Achall, a route that provides a gentle introduction before the terrain turns into the pathless, hummocky moorland characteristic of this region.
• •Because it is classified as a Hump (a hill with a prominence of over 100 metres), it stands as a distinct geographical entity that feels much higher than its 403-metre elevation suggests.
• •While the name suggests you might encounter a wolf, the modern walker is significantly more likely to be brought to a standstill by a hidden peat hag than any ancestral predator.