Carn a' Bhodaich

About Carn a' Bhodaich

Sitting deep within the Sutherland interior, this rounded Marilyn rises above the remote reaches of Glencassley. It is a hill defined by vast stretches of pathless heather and peat, offering a genuine sense of solitude and expansive views across the empty moorlands toward the high quartzite peaks of Assynt.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic Càrn a' Bhodaich, meaning 'Cairn of the Old Man.' While a 'bodach' can refer to an elderly person, in Highland folklore it often describes a legendary spectre or a prominent stone pillar.
• •To the west, the summit provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the Assynt giants, with the distinctive double-peaked profile of Ben More Assynt and Conival dominating the skyline.
• •The hill sits on a significant watershed; rainfall on its western slopes eventually drains into the Atlantic via the River Oykel, while the eastern side feeds into the North Sea via the Shin system.
• •Navigating the ascent requires a keen eye for ground reading, as the surrounding terrain is a classic example of Sutherland flow country, heavily punctuated by complex peat hags and hidden lochans.
• •Visiting this summit is an effective way to avoid the crowds found on more famous peaks; on a typical day, the local red deer population significantly outnumbers the human visitors.