Beinn Sgreamhaidh [Ben Screavie]

Rising above the rugged Sutherland landscape near Loch Laxford, this rocky Hump offers a quiet alternative to its more famous neighbours. The terrain is characteristically rough, typical of the North West Highlands, rewarding those who navigate its craggy slopes with clear perspectives across the water towards Handa Island and the Minch.

• •The name is Gaelic in origin, where 'sgreamh' translates as 'dread' or 'disgust'; in a landscape context, this likely refers to a 'loathsome' or particularly rough, scabby-looking surface.
• •Its summit provides an exceptional vantage point for studying the steep western flanks of Ben Stack and the distinctive white quartzite terraces of Arkle and Foinaven to the northeast.
• •The hill is largely composed of Lewisian Gneiss, some of the oldest rock in the world, which creates the characteristically 'knock and lochan' topography found around its base.
• •Despite its modest height, the lack of an established path ensures you will expend as much effort navigating the surrounding peat hags as you would on a mountain twice its size.