Meall an t-Suidhe
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Meall an t-Suidhe | |
|---|---|
 The mountain as seen from Claggan (Fort William) | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 711 m (2,333 ft)[1] |
| Prominence | 146[1] |
| Listing | HuMP |
| Coordinates | 56°48′36″N 5°03′03″W / 56.8101355°N 5.0508785°W |
| Naming | |
| English translation | hill of the seat / hill of the rest |
| Language of name | Scottish gaelic |
| Geography | |
  Meall an t-Suidhe | |
| Parent range | Grampian Mountains |
| OS grid | NN 13943 72985 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike from Glen Nevis |
The Meall an t-Suidhe[1] is a mountain in Scotland, located close to the Ben Nevis.
Features
Usually considered as the wesetern shoulder of the Ben Nevis system,[4] the mountain is located on the W side of the Glen Nevis and overlooks the N outskirts of Fort William. The Meall an t-Suidhe is divided from the rest of the Ben Nevis group by a large and grassy saddle, mainly occupied by the Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe. The outflow of the lake is a stream named Allt Coire an Lochain which runs on the E flanks of Meall an-t Shuide, and joins the Allt a' Mhuilinn, a larger stream, just before its conflunence with the River Lochy.[5] The summit of Meall an t-Suidhe is marked by a cairn.[3] Because of its topographic prominence the mountain is classified as a HuMP.[1] Its shape has been compared to a whale in repose, and remark that its green grassy E slopes form a pleasant contrast with the deep blue of the nearby lake.[3]
Geology
The area of the Meall an t-Suidhe is crossed by a line taking apart two portions of the Ben Nevis granites; the innermost of the two portions is considered by geologists younger than the external one. These outer granites are often interrupted by porphyritic dykes.[6]
Access to the summit
The mountain is located close to the pony trail, the most frequented route to the Ben Nevis.[3] Some guidebooks propose the ascent to its summit as an easier and less demanding alternative to the Ben Nevis. They also note that Meall an t-Suidhe is peaceful and is more often free from clouds than its more imposing and crowded neighbour. Getting to the top can roughly take less than 6 hours' walking (there and back) from the Glen Nevis visitor centre. The hike with good weather is not difficult but in its last part involves walking out of waymarked footpaths.[7]
