Ben Hiant – A Hill Walk and Supper in Kilchoan
About 2.8 miles on foot.
Ben Hiant is the rugged hill above the south coast of Ardnamurchan, 528 metres high, and on a clear day its summit looks out over Loch Sunart, the hills of Morvern, Mull, Skye and the Small Isles.
A path climbs it from the road over heath and upland grass. Afterwards it's a short drive west to Kilchoan for supper at the village hotel.
- Time
- About two and a half hours.
- The path
- A hill path with steep sections and boggy ground.
- Where to start
- At the highest point of the B8007, on a track off the north side of the road; space for a few cars.
- When to go
- Tuesday to Sunday.
- Dogs
- On a short lead or close at heel near farm animals, as the Scottish Outdoor Access Code asks.
- Children
- A few steep sections and boggy ground.
The walk
Park at the highest point of the B8007, on the track off the road's north side, with space for a few cars; the path starts across the road. It is 4.4 km (about 2.75 miles) to the summit and back the same way, about two and a half hours. The path is mostly easy to follow, with a few steep sections that need your hands and boggy ground that can be slippery, so wear boots.
A cairn and a trig point mark the top, with views of Loch Sunart, Mull, Skye and the Small Isles. The ruins of Bourblaige, a village cleared in 1828, lie on the south-east flank. The hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its rocks and plants.
From July to October this is stalking country, so ask locally first. It is at its best on a clear day after dry weather.
If it rains
On a wet day, the hotel's bar and dining room are indoors.
Afterwards
13 min by car
Kilchoan Hotel
Supper
Kilchoan is 13 minutes' drive west, and the Kilchoan Hotel stands in the village by the road. Its bar opens at 4pm, and supper is served from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. In winter the bar has an open fire. The menu changes with the seasons: local langoustines, mussels and haddock, venison from the Ardnamurchan estate, fish and chips and steak and stout pie, always with something vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. Ring 01972 510200 to check the kitchen's hours before you go.
Before you go
Book accommodation nearby
If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.
The nearest of ours is Borradill House in Glenborrodale, 8 miles away. Sleeps 6; next free Sun 15 Nov to Wed 18 Nov.
Then Borradill Cottage in Glenborrodale, 8 miles away. Sleeps 4; next free Sun 29 Nov to Wed 2 Dec.
For further reading, before you go.
Photograph by Jon M via Google