Beinn na Lice

About Beinn na Lice

Rising steeply above the swirling waters of the North Channel, this prominent Marilyn marks a high point of the rugged west coast. Its rounded, grassy profile hides a wild maritime character, offering a windswept sense of isolation and unparalleled views toward the cliffs of Northern Ireland, Rathlin Island, and the Antrim coast.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic Beinn na Lice, meaning 'Hill of the Flat Stone' or 'Hill of the Slab'. This likely refers to the smooth, slab-like appearance of the hillside when viewed from the sea or the specific rocky outcrops found near the summit ridge.
• •The summit provides a unique vantage point over the North Channel. On clear days, the views are exceptional, stretching across the water to the white cliffs of Rathlin Island and the prominent headland of Fair Head in County Antrim.
• •Accessing the summit usually involves a steep, pathless trek through thick grass and heather from the lighthouse road. The terrain is famously boggy, but reaching the trig point offers a scale of coastal scenery that feels far more mountain-like than its 428-metre elevation suggests.
• •Despite its modest height, the hill is classified as a Marilyn because its summit stands over 150 metres higher than any surrounding ground. This topographic isolation makes it a key landmark for vessels navigating the treacherous currents of the Straits of Moyle.
• •While the local sea mist is famous enough to have inspired global hit songs, hillwalkers should be aware that 'mist rolling in from the sea' is usually just a polite local term for a total lack of visibility and very damp trousers.