Meall an Fhithich

Sitting prominently above the village of Catacol on Arran’s north-western coast, this Marilyn offers a rugged, steep ascent through heather and bracken. Though modest in height, its coastal position provides a superb vantage point across the Kilbrannan Sound to Kintyre and into the dramatic glacial interior of the island’s northern peaks.

• •The name is Scottish Gaelic for 'Hill of the Raven' (Meall an Fhithich). It is a common name across the Highlands, denoting high ground frequented by these birds, which still nest among the crags of northern Arran.
• •Despite being under 300 metres tall, it is classified as a Marilyn because it drops away significantly on all sides, making it the highest point for a considerable distance in the immediate area.
• •The summit offers a unique perspective of the 'Arran Alps'; while hikers on the higher Corbetts are often too close to see the scale, this hill provides a perfect wide-angle view of the jagged ridgeline of Caisteal Abhail.
• •It is a classic 'Arran pint-sized peak', managing to pack the leg-straining steepness of a much larger mountain into a vertical climb that is usually over before you have had time to properly regret your footwear choices.