Ben Hiel Out and Back

This short but steep outing climbs Ben Hiel above the north end of Loch Loyal in Sutherland, in the far north of the Scottish Highlands. Although the round trip is only about 5 km / 3.1 miles, the ascent is around 400 m / 1,312 ft, so it feels much bigger than the distance suggests. The hill rises to about 535 m / 1,755 ft and is usually treated as a smaller objective beside Ben Loyal, but on its own it makes a serious, satisfying climb with wide-open views over Loch Loyal, the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Hope, and the rough moorland interior of the north Highlands. Ben Hiel is classed as a Marilyn, and sits among the outlying tops and ridges around Ben Loyal. (themountainguide.co.uk)

The usual start for this shorter out-and-back is near the north end of Loch Loyal, by the minor road and parking area around Lettermore / the head of Loch Loyal, with route notes in geological and hillwalking sources pointing to parking near grid references NC614500 to NC616505 and an ATV track leading uphill toward a communications mast. The nearest significant landmark is the north end of Loch Loyal near Lettermore, south of Tongue, Highland, Scotland, rather than a formal trailhead with facilities. This is a remote start with very limited infrastructure, so hikers should expect roadside parking only, no toilets, no shop, and no staffed visitor point. (geosites.scottishgeologytrust.org)

By car, the approach is usually made from Tongue via the minor road running south toward Loch Loyal. Tongue is the nearest practical village for fuel, food, and accommodation, and lies off the A836 on the north coast. From there, the drive to the start is short but on narrow Highland roads with passing places, so allow extra time and be prepared to reverse for oncoming traffic. Public transport is limited in this area: there are infrequent bus services to Tongue, but no regular service to the start itself, so anyone arriving without a car should expect to arrange a taxi from Tongue or combine bus travel with a long road walk. Sources describing nearby Ben Loyal access also note that the nearest bus stop is in Tongue rather than at the hill itself. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

What the route is like

From the roadside start, the route heads onto rough hill ground quickly. The lower section often follows ATV or estate tracks at first, which can make the opening climb feel straightforward, but that ease does not last long. As height is gained, the route becomes fainter and more intermittent, with wet ground, heather, peat, and uneven grassy slopes. The climb is direct and sustained, and with 400 m / 1,312 ft of ascent packed into a short distance, it is best thought of as a steep hill climb rather than a gentle walk. The “difficult” rating fits well because the challenge comes from gradient, pathlessness, wet footing, and remoteness rather than technical scrambling. (geosites.scottishgeologytrust.org)

The broad line of ascent is generally toward the bealach between Ben Hiel and the neighboring heights, then up Ben Hiel’s western side and southeast ridge. In clear weather the hill is uncomplicated, but in mist the terrain can feel featureless in places, especially on the upper slopes where faint trods come and go. HiiKER is the navigation tool to rely on for mapping and route tracking here, and hikers should still be comfortable with map-and-compass navigation because cloud can drop quickly over these northern hills.

Underfoot, expect a mix of estate track, damp grass, peat, and rough moorland. After rain, the lower ground can be especially soft and energy-sapping. Good waterproof boots, gaiters, and clothing that can handle wind-driven rain are more important here than the modest distance might suggest. This is a route where the weather often determines the seriousness of the day: in calm, clear conditions it is a rewarding half-day mountain outing; in strong wind, low cloud, or heavy rain it can feel much more committing.

Landmarks, views, and terrain

One of the main rewards is how quickly the landscape opens out. Looking north and northwest, the coast around Tongue and the Kyle of Tongue comes into view; east and southeast lie Loch Loyal and the surrounding moorland hills; west, the great bulk of Ben Hope often dominates the skyline. Ben Loyal itself, with its dramatic granite tors and multiple rocky tops, is the standout neighboring mountain and gives the area much of its character. Ben Hiel is often described as a subsidiary hill of the Ben Loyal group, and from its summit the relationship between the two is especially clear. (scotlandguides.org)

Loch Loyal is a