Ben Hiant

Peaks: Ben Hiant (528m)
Area: Ardnamurchan, Western Highlands
Very much the signature peak of Western Ardnamurchan, Ben Hiant may only be a miniature mountain, but it dominates this part of the peninsula and begs to be climbed. It rises straight from the sea and was visible from our bedroom window in Kilchoan: it is also quite a complex little peak, with a distinct summit cone and interesting topography. Our family ascent topped off a memorable 46th birthday for me, particularly as this was the first full day of our Ardnamurchan holiday. In the morning, we visited the lighthouse cafe, then walked from Portuairk to Sanna Bay: some of the finest coastal scenery imaginable in perfect weather, with stunning views to the Small Isles of Rum, Muck and Eigg. The white sands and crystal clear waters of Sanna in the foreground. After lunch of pulled local venison, we drove round to the mountain road for the normal route up Ben Hiant. This gives a delightful walk, ideal for the normally reluctant children. A few steepish rises gives way to a grassy ridge with tremendous views over to Mull, the Small Isles and inland to the east to what looked like a stormy day over the Central Highlands: some tall thunderheads. Here though, all was calm and superbly clear. M and I took the normal traverse path just before the steep final summit cone, while unknown to me K and E took the direct scramble to the top! We reconvened at the summit, for spectacular views over the Inner Hebrides, Mull and our 'home village' of Kilchoan directly below. I had a tiny celebratory dram of Nevis Dew to mark the birthday and we headed down, all running at least part of the way.