NN5139 : On the summit of Meall Ghaordie with view N towards Glen Lyon

Meall Ghaordaidh

1,040m Elevation
492m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN5139 : On the summit of Meall Ghaordie with view N towards Glen Lyon

Colin Park Photo source

Overview

Meall Ghaordaidh

Overview

Meall Ghaordaidh, standing tall at 1005 meters, is a proud Munro among the hills of the Scottish Highlands. Known for its stunning views and varied terrain, it presents an adventure for both novice and seasoned hikers alike.

Geology

This ancient hill is composed primarily of granitic gneiss, with schists adding depth to its geological composition. The land tells a story of transformations over billions of years, and while you're climbing, you might imagine what the landscape looked like back then—albeit less Instagram-friendly.

Routes

1. The Southern Ridge:
A lovely moderate ascent beginning from the A822. This route is straightforward with ample opportunities to admire the scenery.

2. The Northern Approach:
For those looking for a bit more excitement, this challenging route from the River Lyon offers rocky scrambles that entertain while keeping your heart rate up.

Summit Features

The summit is adorned with a cairn and a trig point, ideal for capturing those summit photos while your lunch attempts to escape in the brisk highland breeze.

Terrain

Expect a delightful mix ranging from grassy slopes to rocky terrains, along with the occasional bog. Consider yourself forewarned: your boots might not appreciate the extra squelching.

Views

Perched atop Meall Ghaordaidh, the panoramic vistas include the majestic Ben Lawers and Loch Tay. It's a lookout that's worth every step climbed. The best time for views? Early spring and autumn—nature’s own picture-perfect postcard.

Hazards

Highland weather, as fickle as a cat deciding whether to sit on your lap, demands caution. Rapid shifts could have you preparing for a snowball fight one minute and sunbathing the next. And those bogs? They guard their secrets, so tread carefully!

Access

Closest parking is at the foot of the Southern Ridge route, accessible from the A822. Just roll up early to snag a good spot! While public transport options exist, they are sparse, so your best bet may be to hitch a ride.

Facilities

Explore Killin post-hike for delightful cafes and shops ready to offer you a warm meal or a hot drink, perfectly capping off your day.

History

The name Meall Ghaordaidh hints at its shepherding legacy, linking it intricately to local traditions and tales of yesteryear. This mountain is steeped in culture, embodying the spirit of the Highlands.

Adventure awaits at Meall Ghaordaidh, where the call of the wild is only a hike away!

Explore routes near Meall Ghaordaidh

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Killin: Falls of Dochart, Finlarig and Moirlanich Longhouse

6.5 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

West Highland Way: Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy

10.2 km ~4h Moderate

View route

Kenmore: Drummond Hill Black Rock Trail above Loch Tay

4.6 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Loch Lubnaig: West Shore Railway Path from Ben Ledi Car Park

7.6 km ~2h 45m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

The Southern Ridge

A popular route offering steady ascent with stunning views of the surrounding terrain. Starting from the A822, this route provides a lovely mix of ground underfoot.

10.5 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

The Northern Approach

A more challenging but rewarding route leading from the River Lyon, giving hikers a chance to engage in some invigorating navigation and rocky scrambles.

9.2 km ~5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

1,040m

3,411 ft

Prominence

492m

Coordinates

56.5258, -4.4167

NN514397

OS Map

51

Explorer: OL48W 378W

At the Summit

The summit features a modest cairn and a trig point, perfect for those obligatory summit selfies and a well-deserved snack break.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy slopes rocky outcrops and occasional boggy patches. Keep your eyes peeled for the odd puddle in which you could lose your wellington boot.

The mountain consists predominantly of granitic gneiss with some schists, characteristic of the ancient Scottish geology, which formed over 2 billion years ago. The rugged landscape speaks to the forces of nature that have transformed this area into a hiker's paradise.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the majestic peaks of the Scottish Highlands, including Ben Lawers and the expansive Loch Tay. On a clear day, it's a view to make a shepherd weep.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Meall Ghaordaidh translates to 'Hill of the Herdsman', hinting at its pastoral roots and the relationships between local communities and the land.

Historical Significance

The mountain has a historical presence in local folklore, where it features in tales of discovery and adventure. It's also part of a wider landscape that has shaped the cultural identity of the region.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Car parking is available at the start of the Southern Ridge route near the A822. Spaces can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so early arrival is recommended.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service operates from Aberfeldy; however, services are limited, so check the local schedules before you set off.

Nearby Facilities

In Killin, you'll find charming cafes, public toilets, and various shops where you can stock up on supplies before your trek.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The weather can change rapidly in the Highlands; it's advisable to be prepared for all seasons. Watch out for hidden bogs and rocky sections that might challenge even the most experienced hikers.

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 Ghaordaidh?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Meall Ghaordaidh through the maps

Are there other walkers around Meall Ghaordaidh?

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 Ghaordaidh search or of course create your own walk for Meall Ghaordaidh

Can I organise a walk to Meall Ghaordaidh?

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 Ghaordaidh.

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 Ghaordaidh?

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 Ghaordaidh 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

Location

Meall Ghaordaidh location map

Grid reference: NN514397

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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