It might only be a titchy little hill but the views are outstanding.....Meall an Fheadain

Hill: Meall an Fheadain
Type: Sub2k
Height: 203m
The low lying clouds and general gloom around first thing were a threat to my original walking plan so I opted for a cycle first thing which in this terrain meant a lot of ups and downs, certainly tested the stamina.
After that I took the good lady in tow to prove that size is not everything. A slow drive through the stunning Assynt countryside took us to Altandhu. What a drive, spectacular peaks rising high, glorious lochs and lochans barely touched by fishermen and a resolve to cycle this road, it would be a stunner. Possibly later in the week if I can squeeze it in.

From parking walk the road first

The good lady likes a wee hill with a good track and it does not get easier than this Sub2k, ideal.
We parked at the T junction heading to Old Dornie. For an even quicker walk simply go right up the hillside in front of you but lots of bracken an heather which is not the good lady's option.

Campsite

Still, a short road walk alongside Loch Camus an Fheidh to the bungalows on the right. A cracking looking remote campsite over to the left, what views to wake up to.

The top in view

Now it is up the hard packed track to the mast. The route is lined with sheep and in the lower section the humidity brings a full on onslaught from the dreaded biting midge and biting they were. Even the good lady quickened her pace, caps swishing away and we both had repellent on but no good it was doing.
A pair of ravens were into their acrobatic flying, they seemed to be bonding, old or new I don't know but it was a good watch.

Assynt geology

Superb examples of Ice Age geologically layered rock strata, crushed and compressed by natural forces.
Thankfully we got into the breeze and the mast was reached. There is clearly regularly ascended by the campers and there is a short ascent via an obvious path through the purple heather clad slopes to the trig.

Summer Isles

What a vista greets you, quite breathtaking even on a hazy grey day like this. On a crisp winters day this must be one of the best views in Scotland, yes right up there.
Straight ahead is the rugged coastline with he Summer Isles close by, look further across the sea and it is the Western Isles.

Assynt landscape

Turn a little and if you can name an Assynt peak then you can see it. The icons of Suilven & Stac Polly. Cul Mor & Beag. Canisp and the three joined Corbetts of Quinag.
Take another turn and look into the distance and a variety of peaks of The Fannichs, An Teallach and much more.
Does it get better than that, not very often in my book.
There are options to make it a circular walk but it would involve a lot more road walking so we descended the same route. Not a bad option as you have great views all the way down.

Back to the car

On the way back to the car high pitched calling but could we see them then we did, at least 3 golden eagles again doing some cool flying, some snaps confirmed the outsized wings, tail and wing feathers, super happy. I want to stay here, this is heaven. Noticed a house for sale!
A magnificent short walk and the good lady agrees that size is not everything.

Wildlife: Golden Eagle; Raven; Meadow Pipit; Hooded Crow; Wheatear; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Black Backed Gull; Red Grouse; Mallard Duck.
Ascent: 218m
Distance: 6.7km
Time: 1.52