Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Beinn Mhealaich
Beinn Mhealaich — "honey hill" — is a 592m moorland rise in the NC96 grid square inland from Brora, on the watershed between Strath Brora and the upper Helmsdale. A 592 m top in the North-West Highlands.
Quick facts
- Height
- 592m/ 1942ft
- Prominence
- 256 m
- Grid ref
- NC 96095 14953
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 76km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
Begin from the Brora-Loch Brora road and follow estate tracks north of Loch Brora, then climb the gentle east shoulder. Allow 5-6 hours.
Terrain
Bilberry and heather give the hill its "honey" name in late summer. The upper slopes carry a mosaic of mossy hags and dry stone-strewn rises.
In winter
A sheltered eastern aspect makes this drier and easier than many of its neighbours in cold weather. Frozen estate tracks speed access in mid-winter.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 57m
- Edinburgh6h 47m
OS maps: OS Landranger 17, OS Explorer 444E
Mobile signal: Very poor. No mobile signal. Remote Sutherland requires PLB or sat phone.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:03
- Sunset
- 21:40
- Civil dawn
- 04:08
- Civil dusk
- 22:35
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Beinn Mhealaich on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Mhealaich — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Mhealaich?
- We grade Beinn Mhealaich at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Ground conditions: Bilberry and heather give the hill its "honey" name in late summer.
- How much drop does Beinn Mhealaich have?
- The drop is 256m: measured from the summit of Beinn Mhealaich down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
- What's the best month to climb Beinn Mhealaich?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Beinn Mhealaich. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Beinn Mhealaich?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Beinn Mhealaich?
- Very poor. No mobile signal. Remote Sutherland requires PLB or sat phone.
- Is Beinn Mhealaich safe in winter?
- A sheltered eastern aspect makes this drier and easier than many of its neighbours in cold weather. Frozen estate tracks speed access in mid-winter.
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