Ben Hiant

Ben Hiant, Ardnamurchan

Ben Hiant rises to 528 m on the Ardnamurchan peninsula in mainland Scotland. This Marilyn is the peninsula's highest hill, overlooking Loch Sunart and the Sound of Mull. Its grassy ridge and rocky summit offer views towards Mull, Eigg and Rùm in clear weather.

B8007 summit walk and return

Start at the small roadside parking area beside a gated track at the high point of the B8007, grid reference NM551641. Cross carefully to the path opposite. Follow the northeast approach over grassy slopes and steeper rocky ground to the ridge. Near the final summit cone, the established path skirts its southern side before turning up to the summit. Return by the same path to the same roadside start.

Walkhighlands gives 4.5 km, 347 m of ascent and 2–3 hours for this complete out-and-back. Western approaches and coastal walks around Bourblaige or Camas nan Geall are separate outings. The route has steep, rocky and boggy sections, so allow for conditions and take care descending.

Summit and landscape

A cairn and trig point mark the top. The Database of British and Irish Hills identifies the summit cairn as 3 m south of the trig point. Clear-weather views take in Loch Sunart, the Sound of Mull, Mull and the Small Isles, with Kilchoan to the west.

Ben Hiant's summit is formed by quartz-dolerite sheets that intruded into older rocks during Ardnamurchan's Palaeogene igneous activity. The British Geological Survey interprets the associated conglomerates and breccias as deposits from debris flows and avalanches. The hill's geological history is more complex than a surviving volcanic cone.

Bog, heath and grassland on Ben Hiant form part of the Sunart SSSI/SAC landscape. Stay on the established path where possible and avoid damaging vegetation.

Access, parking and safety

Roadside parking is limited. Follow current signs, leave the gated track and road unobstructed, avoid damaging verges and never park in passing places. The parking grid NM551641 is separate from the summit grid NM537632.

Check estate activity and local signs before walking. Deer management can take place throughout the year. Ardnamurchan Estate advertises stag stalking from 31 August to 20 October and hind stalking from 21 October to 20 December; these are annual activity windows, not a blanket hill closure. Follow reasonable advice on alternative routes, avoid disturbing stalking and keep dogs in sight and under control.

The ridge and summit are exposed to wind and low cloud. Check the forecast, carry suitable clothing and navigation equipment, and take particular care on wet rock and boggy ground. Return along the established approach rather than attempting a shortcut through the summit crags.

Getting there and facilities

Kilchoan is the nearby village west of the hill. Shiel Buses runs a limited route 506 service through the area, but a stop at the summit-path start is not confirmed. Ask the operator about stopping arrangements and both journeys before planning a visit around public transport. Check the current operator information.

Kilchoan Community Centre on Pier Road lists toilets, showers, tourist information and a cafe. Check opening times before relying on these village facilities. Bring drinking water and any food needed for the hill.

History and name

Bourblaige, on the southeastern slopes, is a deserted township separate from the summit route. Historic Environment Scotland records it on an 1806 estate plan and considers many buildings likely to have been abandoned shortly before 1829. Leave buildings and archaeological remains undisturbed.

The name may mean “blessed mountain”, as suggested by Scotland Off the Beaten Track.