Scotland
Meall Meadhonach West Top
692M
2270FT
About 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.
Key Statistics
Rank
77th Highest in Region
Parent Range
North West Highlands
Prominence
?
47.4m
Nearest Town
Strathan
Geology
You are walking over ancient, banded crystalline rocks and layers of gravelly sandstone. These sturdy materials create the rugged foundation beneath your boots.
Classifications
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NC161179
Latitude
58.1121°N
Longitude
5.1223°W
Did You Know?
- •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.