Meall Fuar-mhonaidh Summit View of Loch Ness

With an eye-catching, rounded top, Meall Fuar-mhonaidh lies on the western edge of Loch Ness and makes for a fantastic adventure with extravagant views. At 2,293 feet (699 m), it’s hardly the highest peak but its prominent location draws you to it like a hiker to a sandwich. It’s also a fairly easy and straightforward ascent, ideal for those with less experience of exploring Scotland’s peaks. 

Bag a summit with exceptional views of Loch Ness

The most obvious starting point is from Grotaig, to the north east, where you’ll find parking. You begin in birch woodland for a stretch before setting off across glorious moorland with views of Loch Ness below. The terrain underfoot is rough and sometimes boggy and the going gets particularly steep near the summit. Don’t be fooled by the first cairn you reach, the summit cairn is a short way past it. 

When you reach the top, the views are spectacular in every direction but perhaps it’s Loch Ness that hogs the view. You can see a considerable distance along the famous loch in both directions. The scenery is just as, if not more wonderful in winter when the loch stands out against snow-covered peaks. You can certainly ascend Meall Fuar-mhonaidh in snow and ice, but only if you have the right skills and equipment. It is a fairly easy winter ascent.

Conditions can change exceptionally quickly and even if you start in clear sunshine, by the time you reach the top, it may be shrouded in cloud. No matter what time of year you visit, dress appropriately and be prepared to turn back if conditions go south.