Scotland
Ben Dearg
552M
1811FT
About Ben Dearg
Rising above the Sligachan Glen, this rounded granite peak offers a softer contrast to the jagged Black Cuillin. Its steep, scree-clad slopes are characteristic of Skye’s Red Hills. Reaching the summit provides an exceptional, unobstructed perspective of the neighbouring Marsco and the intimidating, dark spires of the main Cuillin ridge across the glen.
Key Statistics
Rank
115th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Isle of Skye
Prominence
?
221m
Nearest Town
Portree
Geology
You are walking on the Skye Lava Group, made of hard volcanic rocks. These formed from cooling lava flows that created the solid foundation beneath your boots.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NG478504
Latitude
57.4737°N
Longitude
6.2077°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Beinn Dhearg', meaning 'Red Mountain'. This refers to the Tertiary granite of the area which, unlike the dark gabbro of the Black Cuillin, takes on a distinct pinkish-red hue under certain lights.
- •Though often overlooked in favour of its steeper neighbour Glamaig, this hill is a Marilyn, meaning it has at least 150 metres of prominence from any higher ground.
- •The summit offers a unique 'end-on' view of the Trotternish Peninsula to the north, allowing walkers to trace the entire line of the Great Escarpment toward the Old Man of Storr.
- •The ascent is typically made from Sligachan, following the old pony tracks that once served as the main thoroughfares through the heart of the island.
- •While the name promises a vibrant 'Red Mountain', on a standard drizzly Tuesday it presents as a very honest and committed shade of wet-granite grey.