NC5950 : Ben Hiel's summit - Looking WSW to Ben Loyal

Ben Hiel

535m Elevation
210m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NC5950 : Ben Hiel's summit - Looking WSW to Ben Loyal

John Earnshaw Photo source

Explore routes near Ben Hiel

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Ben Klibreck

16.9 km ~8h 20m Moderate

View route

Loch Migdale from Torroy: Spinningdale pinewood and loch shore walk

7.6 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Northern Glen route

This scenic route starts from the northern glen and leads through a mix of heathland and steep inclines, rewarding hikers with diverse views.

8.5 km ~4 hours Moderate

Southern approach

A less frequently travelled path, the southern approach offers a great sense of solitude and stunning views of surrounding peaks.

9.2 km ~5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Highland Five

Elevation

535m

1,755 ft

Prominence

210m

Coordinates

58.4162, -4.4055

NC595500

OS Map

10

Explorer: 447N 447S 448N

At the Summit

The summit of Ben Hiel features a sturdy cairn, which stands as a testament to the countless trekkers who've made the journey. On a clear day, the views from atop can leave one feeling triumphant—albeit slightly wind-blown.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with some grassy areas and sections of heather particularly as you approach the summit.

Ben Hiel is primarily composed of metamorphic rock, showcasing gneissic formations that tell tales of geological upheaval and changes over millions of years. The rugged landscape and often rocky outcrops can lead one to ponder the earth's history while keeping an eye on their footing.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, expect to see a sweeping panorama of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic peaks of the Cairngorms and the rolling heaths of the Highland landscape.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Hiel' is said to originate from the Gaelic word 'heile', which means 'beyond' or 'above', perhaps reflecting the peak's height and prominence in the landscape.

Historical Significance

This mountain has been a beloved destination for hikers and nature lovers, symbolising the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. It draws both serious climbers and casual walkers seeking adventure.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the Glen Gairn road end (NC 588 490), suitable for a handful of vehicles. It's recommended to arrive early, as it can fill up quickly on fine days.

Public Transport

Public transport is limited, but a bus from Aboyne can get you to the nearest point. Check local services as they may vary by season.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, Aboyne has various cafes and shops. Perfect for a post-hike treat or to stock up on emergency snacks.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Rocky terrain can be tricky; wear sturdy boots. Weather can change suddenly, so pack layers and keep an eye on the forecast. Watch out for boggy sections that can pull you in – it's not quicksand, but it'll test your patience.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ben Hiel?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ben Hiel through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ben Hiel?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ben Hiel search or of course create your own walk for Ben Hiel

Can I organise a walk to Ben Hiel?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ben Hiel.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ben Hiel?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ben Hiel here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Ben Hiel location map

Grid reference: NC595500

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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