Meall na Gaoithe

Hill, Mountain in Sutherland

Scotland

Meall na Gaoithe

The End of a Beautiful Day in Sutherland About 9pm in the evening in a remote area of northern Britain. The sun is about to set behind the hill Meall na Gaoithe (gaelic for Hill of the Wind). The water in front of the hill is Loch Bad an t-Sean-tighe (Gaelic for the Lake by the Hill with the Old House). The water from here is a tributary to first the River Black Water and eventually the River Brora. — The End of a Beautiful Day in Sutherland Credit: Andrew Tryon

Meall na Gaoithe is a prominent hill located in Sutherland, a county in the northern Highlands of Scotland. It stands at an elevation of 574 meters (1,883 feet) and is known for its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The hill is situated near the village of Durness and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The terrain of Meall na Gaoithe is characterized by a mixture of heather moorland, rocky outcrops, and patches of grass. The summit offers unobstructed vistas of the rugged coastline, with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out to the west, and the majestic peaks of the nearby mountains visible to the east. On clear days, it is even possible to catch a glimpse of the distant Outer Hebrides islands.

The ascent to the summit is relatively straightforward, with a well-defined path leading hikers through the undulating landscape. The route is suitable for all levels of fitness, although the final section may require some scrambling over rocks. The hill can be conquered in a few hours, making it an ideal choice for a day hike.

Meall na Gaoithe is also notable for its rich wildlife. The hill is home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and red-throated divers. It is not uncommon to spot deer and other small mammals while exploring the area.

Overall, Meall na Gaoithe offers a rewarding outdoor experience, combining stunning views, diverse flora and fauna, and a sense of tranquility in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

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Meall na Gaoithe Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.095337/-4.167322 or Grid Reference NC7213. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The End of a Beautiful Day in Sutherland

About 9pm in the evening in a remote area of northern Britain. The sun is about to set behind the hill Meall na Gaoithe (gaelic for Hill of the Wind). The water in front of the hill is Loch Bad an t-Sean-tighe (Gaelic for the Lake by the Hill with the Old House). The water from here is a tributary to first the River Black Water and eventually the River Brora.

Andrew Tryon

View of Bac na Lice, Sutherland

Classic East Sutherland scenery. View facing east from the side of Creag Riabhach (hill) over an area known as Bac na Lice.

Andrew Tryon

Evening Light at Loch Bad an t-Sean-tighe

Gaelic place names can be quite descriptive of the landscape: The Gaelic, Loch Bad an t-Sean-tighe, roughly translates to Lake by the Hill with the Old House. Sean-tighe (pronounced Shan Tie) means old house and is related to the English word "Shanty".

Andrew Tryon

Lonely Deer, East Sutherland

Photo taken near Bac na Lice and Meall na Gaoithe in the county of Sutherland. The hill rising up in the background about 2km away is Cnoc Leamhnachd (293m).

Andrew Tryon

Summit of Creag Riabhach (Stripey Hill), Sutherland

A small cairn marks the summit of Creag Riabhach (312 m, 1023 ft). The Gaelic name Creag Riabhach translates to Stripey Hill. The vast emptiness of the inland East Sutherland landscape can be appreciated from this vantage point.

Andrew Tryon

Loch nam Faoileag, Sutherland

Loch nam Faoileag (Gaelic: Seagull Loch) is a very small moorland Loch, barely the size of a swimming pool. Although named as a 'Loch' on the Ordnance Survey 25k map, waterbodies of this size in the Scottish Highlands are more often named as 'Lochans' (small Lochs) or are sometimes considered too small to even be named at all. Could this be Scotland's smallest Loch? At the time this photo was taken, the loch was more of a muddy pool following several days of warm dry weather.

Andrew Tryon