NN5838 : The Path on the last climb to the Summit
Hillwalk; exposed ridge extension

Meall nan Tarmachan

1,044m Elevation
494m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN5838 : The Path on the last climb to the Summit

Iain Lees Photo source

Overview

Meall nan Tarmachan is a 1043.6 m Munro in Perthshire, west of Ben Lawers and above Loch Tay. The summit can be reached from Ben Lawers NNR car park and descended by the same path. Continuing over Meall Garbh and the Tarmachan Ridge adds narrow exposed ground, a rocky descent and more demanding navigation.

Meall nan Tarmachan

Meall nan Tarmachan is a 1043.6 m Munro in Perthshire. Its summit is marked by a cairn. The ridge looks over Loch Tay and towards the Ben Lawers and Glen Lyon hills.

Summit return or ridge circuit

The summit-only outing starts at Ben Lawers NNR car park (NN608377), climbs the south-east approach and returns the same way. It avoids the Meall Garbh continuation, but includes a steep rocky upper path.

The Walkhighlands ridge circuit continues over Meall Garbh and Beinn nan Eachan, then descends from the bealach before Creag na Caillich towards the quarry track and returns to the car park. The guide publishes 13 km and 5–7 hours and describes Creag na Caillich as an optional out-and-back from the descent bealach.

Meall Garbh's narrow crest is exposed. A short Grade 1 rocky descent follows it; the summer bypass branches right above the step. Wet or icy conditions increase the difficulty. Mist complicates navigation across the ridge and the rough, boggy descent.

Access and facilities

Use the Ben Lawers NNR car park off the A827. No public transport reaches this route start. There are no toilets on site; NTS directs visitors to Killin or Kenmore. Only the reserve's self-guided trails are waymarked. NTS asks walkers to use paths to protect fragile vegetation and keep dogs under close control around livestock. Its hill ground has no deer-stalking access restrictions; this does not describe every neighbouring estate.

Snow can obstruct the access road and obscure the steep summit approach. Ice on the Meall Garbh descent calls for particular care.

Geology, name and history

The ridge's Dalradian calcareous mica schists are metamorphosed sedimentary rocks. The name refers to ptarmigan. A public appeal enabled NTS to acquire Tarmachan land in 1996.

Explore routes near Meall nan Tarmachan

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

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Kenmore: Drummond Hill Black Rock Trail above Loch Tay

4.6 km ~2h Moderate

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Aberfeldy: Glassie Woodland and River Tay Circular

7.5 km ~3h Moderate

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

7.6 km ~2h 45m Easy

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Route planning notes

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

Meall nan Tarmachan summit and return

Start at Ben Lawers NNR car park (NN608377), climb the south-east approach to the summit cairn, then retrace the ascent to the same car park. This omits Meall Garbh and the exposed ridge continuation; the upper path is still steep and rocky.

Steep mountain walk

Tarmachan Ridge circuit (Walkhighlands)

From Ben Lawers car park (NN608377), climb Meall nan Tarmachan, then cross Meall Garbh and Beinn nan Eachan. Return from the bealach before Creag na Caillich over boggy ground to the quarry track and back to the car park. Meall Garbh has a narrow crest and a Grade 1 descent with a summer bypass on the right above it. Walkhighlands gives 13 km and 5–7 hours; its guide also describes an optional out-and-back to Creag na Caillich.

13 km Exposed ridge; optional Grade 1 scramble
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

1,044m

3,424 ft

Prominence

494m

Coordinates

56.5217, -4.3013

NN585390

OS Map

51

Explorer: OL48E 378E

At the Summit

A cairn marks the summit.

Terrain & Geology

Steep mountain path to the summit; grassy and rocky ridge beyond with a narrow crest at Meall Garbh. The circuit return crosses rough boggy ground before joining the quarry track.

The Tarmachan ridge lies within the Ben Lawers SSSI, whose bedrock is chiefly Dalradian calcareous mica schist. These metamorphic rocks began as sediments and were altered and folded during mountain building.

Views & Scenery

Loch Tay to the south, the Ben Lawers range to the east and the Glen Lyon hills to the north, when visibility allows.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name refers to ptarmigan; tarmachan is the Gaelic name for the bird.

Historical Significance

The National Trust for Scotland acquired land on the Tarmachan ridge in 1996 following a public appeal, extending its conservation work at Ben Lawers.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Ben Lawers NNR car park, NN608377, reached by the hill road off the A827 north of Loch Tay. NTS lists a £4 parking charge, free for members, checked 16 October 2026. It is unsuitable for coaches or large motorhomes.

Public Transport

Walkhighlands lists no public transport to the Ben Lawers car park start. An onward journey is needed from settlements served by public transport; do not assume a summer bus reaches the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

There are no toilets at Ben Lawers NNR car park. NTS directs visitors to public toilets in Killin or Kenmore; both villages have places to eat. Information is provided beside the car park.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Meall Garbh has a narrow exposed crest and a short rocky descent. The summer bypass leaves on the right above the bad step; it does not bypass the preceding narrow crest.
  • Wet or icy rock makes the descent from Meall Garbh more awkward.
  • Complex ridge terrain is difficult to navigate in mist; the return towards the quarry track is rough and boggy, with only faint paths.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow can block the Ben Lawers access road. Deep snow complicates the steep summit approach; ice makes the rocky descent from Meall Garbh more serious.

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 nan Tarmachan?

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Location

Meall nan Tarmachan location map

Grid reference: NN585390

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