Scotland
Ben Hiant
528M
1732FT
About Ben Hiant
Dominating the rugged Ardnamurchan peninsula, this visually striking peak feels far more substantial than its 528-metre height. The ascent crosses complex volcanic ground to reach a summit plateau offering an unmatched vantage point over the Sound of Mull, the Small Isles, and the white sands of Sanna Bay.
Key Statistics
Rank
111th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Isle of Mull
Prominence
?
463m
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
You are trekking across the Ben Hiant Intrusion, a vast mass of tough, crystalline rock that formed as molten magma cooled deep underground.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NM537632
Latitude
56.6960°N
Longitude
6.0235°W
Did You Know?
- •The name derives from the Gaelic Beinn Shianta, meaning "Blessed" or "Charmed Mountain." While many Gaelic hill names describe physical shapes, this suggests a long-standing spiritual significance or perhaps an ancient sanctuary site on its slopes.
- •Geologically, the hill is a remnant of a massive Paleogene volcano. It is part of the Ardnamurchan Ring Complex, an area world-renowned among geologists for its well-preserved volcanic structures that formed around 60 million years ago.
- •From the summit, the view south looks directly across the Sound of Mull to Tobermory's colourful harbour. On a clear day, the vista expands to include the distinctive flat-topped silhouettes of Macleod's Tables on Skye and the sharp profile of the Sgùrr of Eigg.
- •As a Marilyn, Ben Hiant is the highest summit on the peninsula. Because it stands in relative isolation, it appears far more imposing than its modest elevation suggests, serving as a vital navigation landmark for sailors in the surrounding Atlantic waters.
- •Despite being named the "Blessed Mountain," the summit's exposed position means the elements rarely show much divine mercy to walkers caught in a westerly gale blowing off the Atlantic.