Scotland
Ben Hutig
408M
1339FT
About Ben Hutig
Occupying the wild A' Mhòine peninsula between Loch Eriboll and the Kyle of Tongue, this coastal Marilyn offers a rugged, often boggy ascent. The summit ridge provides an exceptional vantage point over the North Atlantic and a clear profile of the jagged peaks of Foinaven, Ben Loyal, and Ben Hope.
Key Statistics
Rank
268th Highest in Region
Parent Range
North West Highlands
Prominence
?
194m
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
You are walking over the Altnaharra Formation, a landscape built from ancient sandy and muddy rocks that have been compressed and hardened into a solid foundation.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NC538652
Latitude
58.5508°N
Longitude
4.5128°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is likely a Gaelic adaptation of Old Norse, potentially referring to a 'lookout' or 'misty' hill. It stands as a prominent coastal landmark that served as a vital navigational marker for seafarers entering the Kyle of Tongue.
- •This hill gave its name to the Moine Thrust Belt, one of the most significant geological features in the British Isles. The 'Moinian' rock sequence, which underlies much of the Highlands, was first named after this specific peninsula.
- •The peatlands on the lower slopes are the site of the Sutherland Spaceport. Once operational, this quiet summit will offer a unique vantage point for watching vertical rocket launches into polar orbit.
- •The summit view to the east looks directly down upon the Rabbit Islands at the mouth of the Kyle of Tongue, while the jagged silhouette of Ben Loyal dominates the southern horizon.
- •As the peninsula's name, A' Mhòine, translates simply as 'The Peat,' any hiker attempting the climb without waterproof footwear is showing a brave, if misguided, optimism.