Ben Vuirich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ben Vuirich |
|
---|---|
![]() Ben Vuirich (top) from the southeast
|
|
Highest point | |
Elevation | 903 m (2,963 ft) |
Prominence | 345 m (1,132 ft) |
Listing | Corbett, Marilyn |
Geography | |
Location | Perth and Kinross, Scotland |
Parent range | Grampian Mountains |
OS grid | NN997700 |
Topo map | OS Landranger 43 |
Ben Vuirich is a mountain in the beautiful Grampian Mountains of Scotland. It stands 903 meters (about 2,963 feet) tall. This makes it a significant peak, especially for hikers and nature lovers. You can find Ben Vuirich in Perthshire, which is a part of Perth and Kinross. It is located north of the town of Pitlochry.
This mountain is known for its wild and natural landscape. It is covered in heather and bog, which are types of plants and wet ground. Ben Vuirich rises to the southeast of a larger mountain called Beinn a' Ghlò.
Contents
Discovering Ben Vuirich: A Scottish Mountain
Ben Vuirich is a special place for many reasons. It offers amazing views and a chance to explore Scottish wilderness. The mountain's name itself has a long history, like many places in Scotland.
Where is Ben Vuirich Located?
Ben Vuirich is found in the central part of Scotland. It is in the region of Perth and Kinross. This area is famous for its stunning scenery, including lochs (lakes), forests, and, of course, mountains. The nearby town of Pitlochry is a popular spot for visitors. Many people start their mountain adventures from there.
The Grampian Mountains
Ben Vuirich is part of the Grampian Mountains. This is one of the three main mountain ranges in Scotland. The Grampians stretch across a large part of the country. They include some of Scotland's highest peaks, like Ben Nevis. These mountains were formed millions of years ago. They are made of very old rocks. The Grampians are a vital home for many types of wildlife.
What Makes Ben Vuirich Special?
Ben Vuirich might not be as famous as some other Scottish mountains. However, it is still very important to hikers. It is listed as both a Corbett and a Marilyn. These are special categories for mountains in the UK.
Understanding Corbetts
A Corbett is a Scottish mountain that is between 2,500 and 3,000 feet (762 and 914.4 meters) high. It must also have a "prominence" of at least 500 feet (152 meters). Prominence means how much a mountain rises above the land around it. Ben Vuirich, at 903 meters, fits perfectly into the Corbett list. Climbing Corbetts is a popular challenge for many hikers.
What is a Marilyn?
A Marilyn is a hill or mountain of any height in the British Isles. The only rule is that it must have a prominence of at least 150 meters (about 492 feet). This means it stands out clearly from the surrounding land. Ben Vuirich is also a Marilyn because it rises 345 meters above the land around it. Being a Marilyn means it offers great views from its top.
Nature and Wildlife on Ben Vuirich
The landscape of Ben Vuirich is typical of the Scottish Highlands. It is a wild and rugged place.
Heather and Bog Landscapes
The mention of "heather and bog" tells us a lot about the mountain. Heather is a tough, low-growing plant. It covers large areas of the Scottish hillsides. In late summer, it blooms with beautiful purple flowers. This gives the mountains a lovely color. Bogs are wet, spongy areas of land. They are formed by decaying plants. Bogs are important habitats for special plants and insects. They also help store carbon, which is good for the environment.
Animals You Might See
The wild environment of Ben Vuirich is home to various animals. You might spot red deer, which are the largest land mammals in the UK. Birds like grouse and eagles can also be seen flying overhead. The quietness of the mountain makes it a perfect place for wildlife to thrive.
Hiking and Exploring Ben Vuirich
Climbing Ben Vuirich is a rewarding experience. It offers a sense of adventure and stunning panoramic views. Hikers often start their journey from nearby glens (valleys). The paths can be challenging, especially in wet weather. However, reaching the summit is worth the effort. From the top, you can see across the vast Grampian Mountains. You can also see the beautiful Scottish countryside stretching far into the distance.