Meall Garbh Summit Cairn

Meall Garbh translates as ‘rough hill’, a suitably generic name and something that might explain the abundance of so-named mountains. Unfortunately for the easily-confused, there are three peaks under this name a stone’s throw from each other around Glen Lyon. This Meall Garbh lies to the north of the glen and it’s twin-topped, rising to 3,176 feet (968 m) and 3,159 feet (963 m). 

There’s a cluster of four Munros here and they’re often climbed in one big loop walk. They include Càrn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Carn Mairg and Meall na Aighean (aka Creag Mhor). Don’t be confused by another Meall Garbh, which is a subsidiary top to Càrn Gorm, lying on its southern flank. Once you’ve got your head around it, summiting Meall Garbh is actually a wonderful achievement.

A majestic Munro with 360-degree mountain views

Glen Lyon is an obvious starting point, with a car park below the group in Invervar. The trail leads first to Càrn Gorm and then to Meall Garbh, meaning you bag at least two Munros, even if you go no further. You follow tracks past the forestry area and switch to a path as you begin ascending the mountain. It’s a strenuous ascent first to Creag Ghlas and then to Càrn Gorm before heading north east to Maell Garbh. 

As you ascend from the bealach, you’re treated to exceptional views along Loch Rannoch to the Ben Nevis range. When you reach the summit, you’ll see that it’s home to an unusual cairn made from old fence posts. To the north east, Schiehallion pricks the sky, whilst to the south, you can look across the glen to the Ben Lawers range and the other Meall Garbh.