Scotland
Cnoc an Liath-bhaid Mhoir
434M
1424FT
About Cnoc an Liath-bhaid Mhoir
Sitting in the rugged heart of Assynt, this bulky Marilyn offers a wilder, lonelier experience than its famous neighbours. The terrain is typical Sutherland rough-ground—pathless heather and peat hags. Reaching the summit rewards you with an unconventional perspective on the dramatic profiles of Suilven, Canisp, and Cul Mor.
Key Statistics
Rank
239th Highest in Region
Parent Range
North West Highlands
Prominence
?
158m
Nearest Town
Badanloch Lodge
Geology
You’re walking over the Loch Coire Formation. These rocks started as ancient muds that partially melted under intense heat, creating the tough, swirly layers beneath your feet.
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NC759291
Latitude
58.2334°N
Longitude
4.1145°W
Did You Know?
- •The Gaelic name Cnoc an Liath-bhaid Mhòir translates as 'hill of the big grey thicket', likely referring to a copse of birch or hazel that once clung to its lower slopes.
- •Positioned just north of the Ledmore Junction, the hill provides a fantastic vantage point to see the geological contrast between the Moine Thrust zone and the Torridonian sandstone peaks.
- •The summit is a fine place to appreciate the scale of Cam Loch and Loch Veyatie, which stretch out through the glens towards the Atlantic coast.
- •With a prominence of 224 metres, it is classified as a Marilyn, ensuring it stands out as a significant landmark despite being surrounded by the much higher Assynt giants.
- •The 'grey thicket' of the name has long since vanished, replaced by a terrain so consistently damp that any actual trees would probably require a snorkel to survive.