Ben Hiant Explained

Ben Hiant
Elevation M:528
Elevation Ref:[1]
Prominence M:463
Parent Peak:Sidhean na Raplaich
Listing:Marilyn
Translation:Blessed mountain or Charmed mountain
Pronunciation:in Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic peɲ hiəɲt̪ə/
Map:Scotland Highland
Map Relief:1
Label Position:left
Location:Ardnamurchan, Scotland
Coordinates:56.696°N -6.0235°W
Grid Ref Uk:NM537536

Ben Hiant (Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: '''Beinn Shianta''', meaning "blessed mountain" or "charmed mountain") is the highest mountain on the Ardnamurchan peninsula in Scotland. The mountain is situated in the centre of the peninsula, nearby to Kilchoan, looking over the Sound of Mull and Loch Sunart. Despite not being very tall, the mountain is visually very prominent.

Access and climbing route

The hike to the peak begins at the side of the B8007 at an open space of gravel used as a car park in front of a gated road heading up Tom a' Chapuill. The path then turns left giving views of Loch Sunart and the Isle of Mull, before turning into a gradual grassy incline. There is a short rocky section before you reach the soft grassy ridge with views of the final peak, and finally, you climb up to a shoulder, turning left before the final ascent, then turning right and giving access to the peak.[2]

From the top the islands of Mull, Eigg, and Rùm are visible on clear days, as well as Kilchoan and a view over the Sound of Mull and Loch Sunart over to Morvern.

Geology

Around 60 million years ago, the region was volcanically active, with Ben Hiant being the remnant of a volcano. The rock is diverse, being rich in quartz, breccias, basalt, and other volcanic rocks.[2]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ben Hiant . . walkhighlands.co.uk . 19 January 2024.
  2. Web site: Ben Hiant | Walking in Lochaber, Ardnamurchan and The West Highlands. www.wildlochaber.com.