Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Cnoc nan Cuilean
Cnoc nan Cuilean — "hillock of the whelps" — is a 558m heathery shoulder in the NC59 square, looming above the deer-stalking forest of Loch Loyal. It anchors the southern end of the Ben Loyal massif.
Quick facts
- Height
- 558m/ 1831ft
- Grid ref
- NC 59743 46175
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
Easiest from the Lettermore stalkers track on the east side of Loch Loyal; leave the track near the burn and pick a heather rake to the broad top. Around 5 hours including the return.
Terrain
Knee-deep heather and granite tors on the upper slopes. The lower ground is criss-crossed by deer paths but none lead reliably to the summit.
In winter
The hill catches Atlantic squalls funnelling up Loch Loyal. Wind-blown spindrift can render the granite slabs glass-smooth; respect closed deer stalking from mid-August to late October.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow7h 32m
- Edinburgh7h 2m
OS maps: OS Landranger 10, OS Explorer 447S, OS Explorer 448S
Mobile signal: Poor. Signal completely absent; download offline maps and carry emergency navigation.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:10
- Sunset
- 22:26
- Civil dawn
- 02:52
- Civil dusk
- 23:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Cnoc nan Cuilean on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Cnoc nan Cuilean — common questions
- How hard is Cnoc nan Cuilean?
- Cnoc nan Cuilean is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Knee-deep heather and granite tors on the upper slopes.
- When is the best time to climb Cnoc nan Cuilean?
- The standard good-weather months for Cnoc nan Cuilean 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 Cnoc nan Cuilean?
- 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 Cnoc nan Cuilean?
- Poor. Signal completely absent; download offline maps and carry emergency navigation.
- Is Cnoc nan Cuilean safe in winter?
- The hill catches Atlantic squalls funnelling up Loch Loyal. Wind-blown spindrift can render the granite slabs glass-smooth; respect closed deer stalking from mid-August to late October.
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