NF8234 : Eastern side of Hecla

Hecla [Thacla]

607m Elevation
309m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NF8234 : Eastern side of Hecla

Richard Webb Photo source

Explore routes near Hecla [Thacla]

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

Dun Mhulan Broch Quick Walk

5.2 km ~1h Easy

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Berneray Community Hall to the beautiful beach

4.8 km ~57m Easy

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Beautiful private beach walk Isle of Harris

2 km ~24m Easy

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Route planning notes

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

West Highland Way Approach

A picturesque approach along the West Highland Way offers wonderful views and manageable inclines. Ideal for those looking to ease into a tougher hike.

10.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Graham

Elevation

607m

1,990 ft

Prominence

309m

Coordinates

57.2903, -7.2713

NF825344

OS Map

22

Explorer: 453S

At the Summit

The summit features a small stone cairn which stands proud against the skyline, providing a perfect photo opportunity for the selfie-inclined.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with patches of heather that provide a lovely splash of colour as you ascend.

Hecla is primarily composed of granite rock, giving it a rugged, weathered appearance that's both striking and typical of the Highland landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the sprawling Loch Awe, and on a clear day, the distant peaks of the Arrochar Alps.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Hecla' is thought to derive from Old Norse, meaning 'sickle' or 'blade', a reference to its sharp profile.

Historical Significance

Hecla is a popular hill with local walkers and climbers, adding cultural significance to the already rich tapestry of the Scottish Highlands.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at the start of the West Highland Way near Dalavich, about a 15-minute drive from the base of Hecla.

Public Transport

Buses run from Oban to Dalavich, with reasonable frequency, making it a hassle-free journey for those leaving the car at home.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities in Dalavich, including a small shop and a café where you can stock up on snacks before your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks, sudden changes in weather, and the occasional cheeky sheep that may surprise unsuspecting hikers.

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 Hecla [Thacla]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Hecla [Thacla] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Hecla [Thacla]?

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 Hecla [Thacla] search or of course create your own walk for Hecla [Thacla]

Can I organise a walk to Hecla [Thacla]?

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 Hecla [Thacla].

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 Hecla [Thacla]?

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 Hecla [Thacla] 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

Hecla [Thacla] location map

Grid reference: NF825344

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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