Scotland
Beinn Smeorail
486M
1594FT
About Beinn Smeorail
Rising above the eastern shores of Loch Brora in Sutherland, this unassuming Hump offers a quiet escape into the North West Highlands. The terrain is typical of the region—rugged, heather-clad moorland that requires steady footing. Reaching the summit rewards walkers with clear views across the water toward Ben Bhraggie and the North Sea.
Key Statistics
Rank
194th Highest in Region
Parent Range
North West Highlands
Prominence
?
104m
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
The ground here is made of conglomerate rock. It resembles nature’s concrete, formed from rounded stones and pebbles naturally fused together into a solid foundation.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NC862116
Latitude
58.0796°N
Longitude
3.9305°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is Gaelic, likely meaning 'Hill of the Thrushes' (Beinn Smeòrail), with the suffix potentially influenced by the Old Norse 'fjall', reflecting the mixed linguistic heritage of Sutherland.
- •From the summit, the view south looks directly down the length of Loch Brora, while to the northwest, the isolated bulk of Ben Klibreck is clearly visible on clear days.
- •The hill is commonly approached from the Gordonbush estate, providing a shorter but pathless ascent through classic Highland moorland.
- •While not a mountain of significant height, its position ensures that the North Sea and the Moray Firth are often visible to the southeast beyond the coastal town of Brora.
- •It provides a stern test for those who underestimate smaller hills; the thick heather and hidden peat hags are perfectly designed for slowing down even the most confident walker.