Although less dramatic than its much larger neighbour, Ben Wyvis, a combination
of more gentle slopes and its lower altitude means that Little Wyvis is less intimidating than the surrounding mountains and is sometimes flyable when they are not.
The hill comprises a large expanse of north west through to south west facing slope with two adjacent tops, Tom na Caillich (705m) and the main summit, (763m). The whole area is made easily accessible by a network of landrover tracks that leads right up to the main summit, however it is important to note that these were put in place as part of the deer stalking activities that take place across the Little Wyvis estate. During the stalking season permission to fly must be sought from the estate cottage prior to venturing onto the hill. Stalking is a vital part of the local economy and September and October are particularly busy months on this estate, when clients will likely be booked in for stalking six days a week. At this time of year please do be prepared to head elsewhere if requested to do so by estate staff.
Although Little Wyvis has a predominantly north west facing aspect, beneath the main summit there is also a steep south west face that can work very well in light thermic conditions. When working properly, it is possible to soar this face and make use of the thermals that tend to trigger from Bealach Beag at the base of the face. It is however very important not to get low into the Bealach, especially in stronger conditions when the terrain to the front (marked as Beinn a Ghuilbein on the Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 sheet) can result in turbulence.
Given sufficient height it should be possible to contemplate going over the back towards Ben Wyvis and the bigger hills, though do be careful about straying into the valley that separate Little Wyvis and Ben Wyvis (Bealach Mor) as the wind is often funneled through here.
Take-off
From the car park, cross the Blackwater River and the main road to the steep entrance to wide track which leads up past an estate storage depot on the left. The track onto the hillside can be accessed, through the pair of large metal gates on the left, however, first continue up the track to the Stalkers Cabin which is situated on the left a little further up the hill. Once permission to fly has been granted by the estate staff at the Stalkers Cabin, follow the main landrover track which works its way up onto the main hillside. After 2km a T junction is reached, turn left (north) here. Ignore the next junction 300m further on which leads into the Bealach Beag, but, after a further 500m, bear right where the track splits again. The track now steepens as it zig zags up the summit of Little Wyvis which is grassy with plenty of room to launch.
Landing
There are numerous landing options, either low on the slopes of the hill or, with a little height above take off, it is possible to bottom land in the meadows beside the Black Water River.
Access and parking
Little Wyvis is most easily accessed from the large public car park at the Blackwater Gorge, 3 miles north of Garve on the A835 Tore to Ullapool Road.
Local weather notes
Watch for the wind moving too far to the south when conditions can quickly become quite rough; watch out for a sea breeze pushing in from behind the hill.
Flight rules
Little Wyvis is in the Highland Restricted Area (HRA) and midweek flying is subject to strict restrictions.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.