Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Ben Hiel
Ben Hiel is a steep-sided 535m cone in the NC59 grid square, sitting above the south end of the Kyle of Tongue and forming a distinctive horizon from the village.
Quick facts
- Height
- 535m/ 1755ft
- Grid ref
- NC 59583 50038
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
blanket bog 50% · heather moorland 35% · rocky summit 15%
Park near the road bridge at Coldbackie or by the Kinloch estate, then take the old stalkers path up the western flank before a final push over heather to the summit cairn. Roughly 4 hours.
Terrain
A short steep climb on heather and bracken with sandstone outcrops near the top. Lower slopes can be tick-heavy in summer; bracken hides ankle traps.
In winter
Snow lies briefly on the conical summit but the wind off the Kyle of Tongue can be brutal. Cornice formation on the north edge is occasional; check before approaching the lip.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow7h 37m
- Edinburgh7h 7m
OS maps: OS Landranger 10, OS Explorer 447N, OS Explorer 447S, OS Explorer 448N
Mobile signal: Poor. Very remote Sutherland glen; no mobile infrastructure within range.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:10
- Sunset
- 22:26
- Civil dawn
- 02:51
- Civil dusk
- 23:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Ben Hiel on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Ben Hiel — common questions
- How hard is Ben Hiel?
- Ben Hiel is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: A short steep climb on heather and bracken with sandstone outcrops near the top.
- When is the best time to climb Ben Hiel?
- The standard good-weather months for Ben Hiel are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Ben Hiel?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Ben Hiel?
- Poor. Very remote Sutherland glen; no mobile infrastructure within range.
- Is Ben Hiel safe in winter?
- Snow lies briefly on the conical summit but the wind off the Kyle of Tongue can be brutal. Cornice formation on the north edge is occasional; check before approaching the lip.
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