Marilyn · Kintail
Torr Achilty
Torr Achilty stands at 256m at NH 447 550 above the village of Contin, where the Conon emerges from its dam-controlled gorge below Loch Achonachie. The name signals a steep-sided hill, and indeed it rises abruptly from the riverside flat — a conspicuous little summit on the road north.
Quick facts
- Height
- 256m/ 840ft
- Prominence
- 218 m
- Grid ref
- NH 44765 55077
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 24km
- 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
woodland paths 30% · heather moorland 50% · rocky summit 20%
A waymarked path leaves the Contin community woodland car park, climbing through Scots pine and birch to a broad track contour, then doubling back to the summit pillar. 1-2 hours round trip.
Terrain
Forest tracks and signed footpaths throughout, with mossy steps and tree roots over a couple of short steeper sections. The summit clearing is heathery with a concrete OS pillar.
In winter
Below the snowline most winters. After ice the steeper section near the top can become slippery underfoot — microspikes more than enough. A great cold-weather choice when high hills are closed in.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 29m
- Edinburgh6h 32m
OS maps: OS Landranger 26, OS Explorer 431
Mobile signal: Reliable up top; EE rarely drops. Fine Black Isle and Strathconon views.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 06:46
- Sunset
- 19:42
- Civil dawn
- 06:06
- Civil dusk
- 20:22
NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026
Around Torr Achilty on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Dingwall station
Ben Wyvis approach; Easter Ross; junction for Kyle and Far North lines
11km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Inverness
Highland capital — gateway to Cairngorms, Affric, Far North
24km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Glen Ord
Muir of Ord — Black Isle distillery; the Singleton range's Highland anchor
9km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Torr Achilty — common questions
- How difficult is Torr Achilty?
- Torr Achilty carries a 1/5 (easy) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Ground conditions: Forest tracks and signed footpaths throughout, with mossy steps and tree roots over a couple of short steeper sections.
- How much drop does Torr Achilty have?
- The drop is 218m: measured from the summit of Torr Achilty 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 Torr Achilty?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Torr Achilty. 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 Torr Achilty?
- 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 Torr Achilty?
- Reliable up top; EE rarely drops. Fine Black Isle and Strathconon views.
- Is Torr Achilty safe in winter?
- Below the snowline most winters. After ice the steeper section near the top can become slippery underfoot — microspikes more than enough. A great cold-weather choice when high hills are closed in.
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