Meall Meadhonach West Top

Sitting in the far north of Sutherland, this rugged outlier of the Cranstackie massif offers a quiet alternative to its more famous neighbours. The terrain is typical of the North West Highlands, featuring rough heather and quartzite stones, providing a wild, lonely feel and excellent views across the deep waters of Loch Eriboll.

• •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'meall', meaning a rounded hill or lump, and 'meadhonach', meaning middle, likely referring to its position between the coast and the higher peaks of the interior.
• •It is frequently climbed as part of a demanding high-level circuit that includes the Grahams of Cranstackie and Beinn Spionnaidh, which dominate the skyline to the south and west.
• •From the summit, the view to the east is dominated by the sea-filled trench of Loch Eriboll and the isolated, massive profile of Ben Hope, Scotland's most northerly Munro.
• •The hill sits within the Moine Thrust Belt, and its slopes are characterized by ancient Lewisian gneiss and Cambrian quartzite, which gives the ground a pale, shimmering appearance in the northern light.
• •In this part of Sutherland, the term 'middle hill' is purely relative; you are still likely to feel significantly more isolated here than on the summit of many famous mountains further south.