Meall a' Ghiuthais [Meall a' Ghiubhais] Terrain Block

Rising as a spectacular, tiered bastion of Torridonian sandstone above the ancient pinewoods of Beinn Eighe, Meall a' Ghiuthais—the 'Hill of the Pinewood'—is a mountain of exceptional geological character. While its more famous crystalline neighbours draw the spotlight, this peak offers perhaps the most photogenic perspective of the Torridon heartland. The mountain is defined by its massive, tiered sandstone terraces which take on a deep ochre hue in the highland light, capped in places by the glittering white of Cambrian quartzite. From its high, rolling summit plateau, the view stretches across the shimmering reaches of Loch Maree to the distant, serrated horizon of the Flowerdale wilderness. It is a place where the heritage of the wood and the ancient rock meet in a harmony of rugged highland drama.

About Meall a' Ghiuthais [Meall a' Ghiubhais]

Meall a' Ghiuthais is the focal point of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, the UK's first reserve established in 1951 to protect the ancient Caledonian pinewoods that clothe its lower slopes. Historically, it was part of the vast Gairloch estate, its lands vital for the wild deer herds and the early highland clans. Geologically, it is a perfect laboratory of Northwest Highland geology; its base is formed of billion-year-old sandstone, which is unconformably capped by the glittering quartzite of the 'Cambrian explosion' era. This contrast in rock and vegetation makes it one of the most distinctive and biologically rich mountains in the region, a sanctuary for both wildlife and the wild spirit of Torridon.

Landscape features

• UK's first National Nature Reserve
• Ancient Caledonian pinewood base
• Tiered Torridon sandstone benched
• Views over Loch Maree
• Hill of the Pinewood heritage

Elevation: 887 metres.

Your Meall a' Ghiuthais [Meall a' Ghiubhais] Terrain Block

Choose the area, shape, wood and lettering in the configurator. Each block is 125 mm across, carved in hardwood and set on natural slate.

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