Trollabhal [Trollaval] [Trallval]

About Trollabhal [Trollaval] [Trallval]

Occupying a central position on the spectacular Rum Cuillin ridge, this rocky Graham is defined by its dark, jagged profile and technical terrain. Linking the higher peaks of Askival and Ainshval, the ascent involves navigating steep, broken gabbro and provides one of the most rugged mountain experiences in the Inner Hebrides.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is a relic of Old Norse, combining tröll (troll) and fjall (mountain), likely named by Viking settlers struck by the hill's dark, intimidating profile when viewed from the sea.
• •The summit area hosts a massive colony of Manx Shearwaters; these birds spend their days at sea and return to their high-altitude mountain burrows only under the cover of darkness to avoid predators.
• •A notable feature for scramblers is the Trollabhal Pinnacle on the north ridge, which offers an airy but brief challenge for those completing the full traverse of the ridge.
• •From this central vantage point, the view north across the water is dominated by the jagged skyline of the Skye Cuillin, while the unique pitchstone ridge of An Sgùrr on the Isle of Eigg is clearly visible to the south.
• •The mountain's geology is dominated by layers of peridotite and allivalite, ultra-mafic rocks that create a distinctively stepped appearance and provide excellent grip for boots even in the damp.
• •The eerie, nocturnal cackling of the shearwaters is frequently mistaken for the voices of the trolls the hill was named after, a misunderstanding that has likely kept more than a few nervous hikers in their tents.