Casteal na h-Iolaire

Hill, Mountain in Buteshire

Scotland

Casteal na h-Iolaire

Beinn Bharrain The higher NE top is on the left. 
In the background is the highest range of Arran hills, extending from Caisteal Abhail (centre) to Beinn Tarsuinn (right).
Beinn Bharrain Credit: Ian Taylor

Casteal na h-Iolaire, also known as Castle Hill, is a prominent hill located in Buteshire, Scotland. Situated near the village of Kilchattan Bay on the Isle of Bute, this hill offers breathtaking views and holds historical significance.

With an elevation of approximately 156 meters (512 feet), Casteal na h-Iolaire stands as a prominent landmark on the island. Its name translates to "Castle of the Eagles" in Gaelic, reflecting the area's rich cultural heritage. Although no actual castle remains on the hill, it is believed that it may have served as a defensive stronghold in ancient times.

Visitors to Casteal na h-Iolaire can enjoy a relatively easy hike to the summit. The well-maintained path leads through a picturesque landscape of heather-clad slopes and rocky outcrops. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Kilchattan Bay, the surrounding islands, and even glimpses of the Scottish mainland on clear days.

The hill is also known for its wildlife, with various bird species making their homes in the area. Peregrine falcons and golden eagles are often spotted soaring above the hill, adding to its allure for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Casteal na h-Iolaire is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, providing a tranquil escape and a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside. Its combination of historical significance, stunning views, and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit location for those exploring Buteshire and the Isle of Bute.

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Casteal na h-Iolaire Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.627867/-5.343839 or Grid Reference NR8942. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Beinn Bharrain The higher NE top is on the left. 
In the background is the highest range of Arran hills, extending from Caisteal Abhail (centre) to Beinn Tarsuinn (right).
Beinn Bharrain
The higher NE top is on the left. In the background is the highest range of Arran hills, extending from Caisteal Abhail (centre) to Beinn Tarsuinn (right).
East from Beinn Bharrain View from the SW top towards Loch Tanna and Dubh Loch. 
In the background is the highest range of Arran hills, extending from Caisteal Abhail (centre left) to Caisteal an Fhinn (right).
East from Beinn Bharrain
View from the SW top towards Loch Tanna and Dubh Loch. In the background is the highest range of Arran hills, extending from Caisteal Abhail (centre left) to Caisteal an Fhinn (right).
Beinn Bharrain - Casteal na h-Iolaire Casteal na h-Iolaire is the 717m top of Beinn Bharrain
Beinn Bharrain - Casteal na h-Iolaire
Casteal na h-Iolaire is the 717m top of Beinn Bharrain
Top of Casteal na h-Iolaire Looking from the top of Casteal na h-Iolaire looking towards Mullach Buidhe.
Top of Casteal na h-Iolaire
Looking from the top of Casteal na h-Iolaire looking towards Mullach Buidhe.
Rocky spur northwest from Mullach Buidhe
Rocky spur northwest from Mullach Buidhe
Rocky ridge on Beinn Bharrain
Rocky ridge on Beinn Bharrain
North ridge Mullach Buidhe There is some fine scrambling on this granite ridge which is a pleasant surprise as these western hills are mostly evenly weathered and smooth.
North ridge Mullach Buidhe
There is some fine scrambling on this granite ridge which is a pleasant surprise as these western hills are mostly evenly weathered and smooth.
Moorland above of Pirnmill Heading for Beinn Bharrain and its fine North Ridge.
Moorland above of Pirnmill
Heading for Beinn Bharrain and its fine North Ridge.
North ridge, Mullach Buidhe A granite ridge above Pirnmill. Gives a good scramble.
North ridge, Mullach Buidhe
A granite ridge above Pirnmill. Gives a good scramble.
North Ridge, Mullach Buidhe A short but high quality scrambling route on Arran's quieter side.
North Ridge, Mullach Buidhe
A short but high quality scrambling route on Arran's quieter side.
Scrambling, Beinn Bharrain On the north ridge of Mullach Buidhe.
Scrambling, Beinn Bharrain
On the north ridge of Mullach Buidhe.
North Ridge of Beinn Bharrain. The western hills of Arran are not as popular as the group around Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox. The granite here is fine grained and weathers to rounded hills.  There is still this ridge which gives an exciting scramble.
Taken from above the difficulties with a view over to Kintyre and Jura.
North Ridge of Beinn Bharrain.
The western hills of Arran are not as popular as the group around Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox. The granite here is fine grained and weathers to rounded hills. There is still this ridge which gives an exciting scramble. Taken from above the difficulties with a view over to Kintyre and Jura.
Beinn Bharrain Arran's better known hills to the east.
Beinn Bharrain
Arran's better known hills to the east.
Spot Height 711 on Beinn Bharrain. This is the first high point met when coming from Mullach Buide.
Spot Height 711 on Beinn Bharrain.
This is the first high point met when coming from Mullach Buide.
Cairn on Beinn Bharrain. Shown as spot height 717 on the 1:25,000 map.
Cairn on Beinn Bharrain.
Shown as spot height 717 on the 1:25,000 map.
Boulders and Slabs North of Casteal na h-Iolaire These slabs are nice and dry and horizontal, so no problem walking on them.  Find them wet and at an angle and they are treacherous.
Boulders and Slabs North of Casteal na h-Iolaire
These slabs are nice and dry and horizontal, so no problem walking on them. Find them wet and at an angle and they are treacherous.
Allt Gobhlach. Looking across from the lower slopes of Beinn Bharrain.
Allt Gobhlach.
Looking across from the lower slopes of Beinn Bharrain.
Allt Gobhlach. A burn that draws its waters from the corries beneath Beinn Bharrain, Mulach Buide and Beinn Bhreac and delivers them into the Kilbrannan Sound and Pirnmill.
Allt Gobhlach.
A burn that draws its waters from the corries beneath Beinn Bharrain, Mulach Buide and Beinn Bhreac and delivers them into the Kilbrannan Sound and Pirnmill.
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Casteal na h-Iolaire is located at Grid Ref: NR8942 (Lat: 55.627867, Lng: -5.343839)

Unitary Authority: North Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///degree.glassware.king. Near Lochranza, North Ayrshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.627867,-5.343839
Beinn Bharrain
Alt Name: Mullach Buidhe
Corbett: no
Ele: 717
Graham: yes
Marilyn: yes
Munro: no
Natural: peak
Prominence: 385
Wikidata: Q24656733
Wikipedia: en:Beinn Bharrain
Lat/Long: 55.6278628/-5.3436053
Man Made: cairn
Lat/Long: 55.627943/-5.343684
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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