Scotland
Brown Muir
339M
1112FT
About Brown Muir
Rising above the Spey Valley, this broad moorland Marilyn offers an expansive sense of space despite its modest height. The ascent through heather and occasional forestry leads to a summit trig pillar with panoramic views stretching across the Moray Firth to the distant, sharp peaks of Caithness and Sutherland.
Key Statistics
Rank
511th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Grampians
Prominence
?
201m
Nearest Town
Moray
Geology
You are walking on the Spey Conglomerate Formation. This foundation is made of rounded stones and pebbles naturally fused together into a solid, rocky layer.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NJ258548
Latitude
57.5771°N
Longitude
3.2424°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is Scots in origin, where 'Muir' refers to a moor; 'Brown Muir' describes the sun-scorched or dormant heather that gives the hill its muted, dark character against the surrounding green farmland.
- •From the summit, the view north across the Moray Firth is exceptional, often revealing the distinctive profile of Morven in Caithness on clear days, more than 50 miles away.
- •As a Marilyn, the hill possesses at least 150 metres of prominence, making it a significant topographical landmark that dominates the skyline between Elgin and Rothes.
- •While the climb is technically straightforward, the terrain possesses a remarkable ability to hide deep pockets of black peat bog even during the height of a dry summer.