Ben Wyvis

Ben Wyvis is a mountain in Easter Ross, in the northern Highlands of Scotland. It stands north-west of Dingwall, its whale-back shape rising above the farmland of Strathconon. The ridge runs roughly north–south for about five kilometres, with the highest point called Glas Leathad Mòr. The mountain is made of Moine schist, a hard rock formed under ancient seas and later shaped by ice sheets. Glaciers once covered much of the land, leaving erratic boulders that mark the ice’s upper edge. The summit remained free of ice, leaving a broad plateau exposed. The mountain is important for wildlife and carries several conservation designations. It is a National Nature Reserve, a Special Protection Area, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Rare plants grow here, including woolly hair-moss that carpets the summit and supports breeding dotterel. Over 170 plant species live on the slopes, along with butterflies, dragonflies, and birds such as peregrine falcon and golden eagle. Deer roam the lower ground, while mountain hare and pine marten live among the rocks and woods. The reserve covers the western and southern slopes, managed by NatureScot to protect these habitats. Visitors find a range of landscapes to explore. The lower slopes hold scattered woodland and shrub-rich heath, while higher up the ground turns to moorland and rocky crags. The summit plateau offers wide views across the Highlands. The Allt á Bhealaich Mhòr stream cuts through the southern flanks, and the A835 road passes to the west. The Kyle of Lochalsh railway line runs to the south, linking Dingwall and Kyle of Lochalsh. The mountain’s slopes are open to walkers under Scotland’s outdoor access code, with no restrictions on responsible use.