Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 16 hikers
A quiet and splendidly accessible Munro from Glen Lochay, Meall Ghaordaidh is a mountain of two distinct halves. Most hikes to Meall Ghaordaidh ascend the broad, grassy shoulder that rises from the River Lochay, whilst the wilder northern end of the mountain hides its charms from all but those who venture to Glen Lyon.
The perfect Munro for accessible solitude and fine, wide-reaching views
Nestled between Glens Lochay and Lyon, Meall Ghaordaidh is separated from other Munros and so is often climbed in isolation, making for a fine afternoon outing. The lure of the nearby Lawers and Tarmachan groups makes this a quiet mountain, where you are unlikely to meet many others. It’s perfect if you enjoy solitude on your mountain days.
The usual walking routes to Meall Ghaordaidh follow paths up the heather and grass slopes of its south eastern shoulder, before arriving at the rocky summit. A rougher ascent from the north is also possible, where two distinctive spurs and their bristling buttresses constitute the mountain’s finest features. The Allt Laoghain points your way upwards into the corrie.
From the summit, the view east is splendid. The complex, rocky tangle of the Tarmachans is backed by the majestic bulk of the Lawers group, the highest ground in Britain south of Ben Nevis.
The popularity of the region’s Munros and its famous beauty has spawned numerous nearby amenities. Accommodation is plentiful in Loch Tay’s surroundings, with the village of Killin being the nearest centre.
In winter conditions, Meall Ghaordaidh should be left to those with mountaineering skills and equipment.
Meall Ghaordaidh is a 3,409-foot (1,039 m) Munro in the Scottish Highlands. It's a solitary peak that's often climbed on its own. The ascent from Glen Lochay is straightforward, so a good one for building hillwalking confidence.
April 2, 2020
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