Creag Ghuanach

Creag Ghuanach is a mountain summit in the Grampians range of the Scottish Highlands. It stands between Fort William and Loch Leven, its slopes rising above the surrounding glens. The mountain is marked on maps by a small cairn at the top, a simple stone heap left by walkers. Its grid reference is NN299690, a reference used by hillwalkers to locate the exact spot. Three hill lists recognise the peak: it is classed as a Marilyn, a Graham and a HuMP. The mountain earns its place on these lists because of its height and its prominence above the surrounding terrain. Marilyns require a drop of at least 150 metres on all sides, Grahams at least 150 metres of drop on half their circumference, and HuMPs stand at least 100 metres above their lowest col. Organisations such as the Database of British and Irish Hills keep these lists up to date, checking measurements and adding new peaks as they are surveyed. Visitors reach the summit by following paths that climb through heather and grass. The final metres are rocky, leading to the small cairn where the view opens across the Great Glen and the surrounding peaks. On clear days Ben Nevis and other Munros appear on the horizon. The silence at the top is broken only by the wind and the occasional call of a raven.