Meall a' Chaise
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Meall a' Chaise
Nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, Meall a' Chaise offers hikers an unforgettable day out. Standing tall at 737 meters, this Marilyn provides moderate to challenging treks, appealing to a variety of walking skills.
Geology
The mountain is primarily composed of granite and gneiss, which tell a tale of the ancient geological processes that shaped this land. The topography features intriguing glacial remnants, perfect for geology enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys a rocky conversation.
Routes
The two main routes to the summit provide options for all adventurers:
From the A9 Road: A friendly route that’s great for families or those looking for a gentle walk. Meandering through vibrant heather and soft grass, you'll find it easier to keep your wits about you!
North Ridge Route: For those seeking a bit more excitement, this route offers a bit of scrambling and some more dramatic views. Just remember, it's always a good day for a climb—unless it’s raining, of course!
Summit Features
At the summit, you'll find a friendly stone cairn and a trig point, which must have a fantastic view to sit at all day. On occasion, local sheep come by to check out the view—who can blame them, really?
Terrain Type
Expect a mixed terrain of grassy slopes interspersed with rocky outcrops. Watch your step, as some parts can be boggy, but isn’t that half the fun?
Views
The summit rewards your efforts with sweeping vistas of some really impressive peaks, including Ben More. If you can catch it on a clear day—bonus points! The prime seasons for optimal viewing tend to be spring and autumn.
Hazards
As beautiful as this mountain is, always respect Mother Nature. Be wary of sudden weather changes and ensure you are equipped to handle scrambles and steep drops where necessary.
Nearby Summits
For those wanting more, nearby peaks such as Ben More and An Stuc provide appealing extensions to your hiking portfolio.
Access
Accessing Meall a' Chaise is quite simple. Park at the designated area off A9 (NC651119), and you’re good to go! For those relying on public transport, buses run along the A9; kindly check local timetables for any updates. Killin, the nearest village, has all the necessary amenities, including delightful cafes to refuel post-hike.
Facilities
While the mountain itself is a wilderness haven, be sure to plan for facilities in Killin for refreshments and toilet breaks.
History
The mountain's name means 'hill of the chair', hinting at some ancient gathering spot of days gone by. Rich in historic landscapes and folklore, Meall a' Chaise is as steeped in culture as it is in height.
So lace up your boots and prepare for an adventure—Meall a' Chaise is calling!
Explore routes near Meall a' Chaise
Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.
Ben Klibreck
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Loch Migdale from Torroy: Spinningdale pinewood and loch shore walk
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Findhorn guided night walk
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Culbin Forest: Hill 99, Gravel Pit Ponds and Dragonfly Pool
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.
From the A9 Road
A pleasant route starting from the A9, traversing through heather and grassland which is quite popular among local hikers.
North Ridge Route
A more demanding ascent along the north ridge, offering spectacular views but requiring more scrambling skills.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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NC6511 : View East from the summit of Meall a' Chaise, Sutherland
Andrew Tryon
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
372m
1,220 ft
Prominence
205m
Coordinates
58.0757, -4.2887
NC651119
OS Map
16
Explorer: 443
At the Summit
The summit features a small stone cairn, a trig point, and is occasionally graced with a sheep or two admiring the view.
Terrain & Geology
Dominated by granite and gneiss, with interesting glacial features.
Views & Scenery
Panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Ben More and the rolling valleys below.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Meall a' Chaise' translates to 'hill of the chair', possibly referencing an old gathering site.
Historical Significance
Part of the historic landscape of Scotland, often linked with local folklore.
Getting There & Facilities
Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.
Parking
There is a small parking area off the A9 at NC651119, suitable for a few cars.
Public Transport
Buses run regularly on the A9, but check local timetables for services to Crieff or Callander.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities directly on the mountain, but Killin has cafes and toilets available.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Potential for poor weather conditions, slippery rocks, and steep drops near the summit.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Meall a' Chaise?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Meall a' Chaise through the maps
Are there other walkers around Meall a' Chaise?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Meall a' Chaise search or of course create your own walk for Meall a' Chaise
Can I organise a walk to Meall a' Chaise?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Meall a' Chaise.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Meall a' Chaise?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Meall a' Chaise here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: NC651119
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Hills within 30 km
Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.
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