Scotland
Beinn Ulbhaidh
496M
1627FT
About Beinn Ulbhaidh
Rising above the eastern shores of Loch Tuirig in the North West Highlands, this broad moorland hill offers a quieter alternative to its more famous Assynt neighbours. It provides an exceptional vantage point for studying the iconic profiles of Suilven and Canisp from an angle many hillwalkers miss.
Key Statistics
Rank
173rd Highest in Region
Parent Range
North West Highlands
Prominence
?
111m
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
This fell is built from layers of hardened sandstone and mudstone. Look closely at these tough rocks to find tiny garnet crystals embedded within the stone.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NH434969
Latitude
57.9339°N
Longitude
4.6450°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is a blend of Gaelic and Old Norse; 'Beinn' is Gaelic for hill, while 'Ulbhaidh' likely stems from 'Ulfr-øy', meaning Wolf Island, a nod to the Viking history that permeates the North West coast.
- •The summit provides a unique perspective on the 'Assynt giants', offering clear views across the lochan-studded landscape to the distinctive isolated peaks of Suilven, Canisp, and the jagged ridge of Stac Pollaidh.
- •Despite its modest height, the hill is classified as a Hump (a hill with a prominence of at least 100 metres), a status it earns thanks to the deep glacial troughs that separate it from the neighbouring massif of Cùl Mòr.
- •The approach from the A837 involves navigating significant stretches of classic Sutherland peat hags, which serves as an effective filter for keeping the summit crowds to a minimum.