NM3399 : The Rum Cuillin from Orval

Orval

571m Elevation
406m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NM3399 : The Rum Cuillin from Orval

Julian Paren Photo source

Explore routes near Orval

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

Dun Mhulan Broch Quick Walk

5.2 km ~1h Easy

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Route planning notes

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Orval Hill Circuit

A scenic loop starting from the village of Glen Orchy, leading you through lush valleys and up to the summit of Orval.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Highland Five

Elevation

571m

1,873 ft

Prominence

406m

Coordinates

57.0059, -6.3931

NM333991

OS Map

39

Explorer: 397

At the Summit

At the summit, there's a sizable cairn marking the peak, offering a perfect backdrop for your 'summit selfie'. Beware the jealous clouds that might photobomb your shot!

Terrain & Geology

The terrain features a mix of grassy knolls and rocky outcrops with parts that can be boggy after rain. Good boots are essential or you might end up in a pudding!

Orval is chiefly composed of Old Red Sandstone, which gives rise to its rugged cliffs and varied landscape. The sandstone formation is renowned for its unique colouration ranging from ochre to rusty hues, creating astonishing views.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands, the rugged peaks of the nearby Cairngorms, and on a clear day, the expanse of the Solway Firth.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Orval' is believed to be derived from the Gaelic word for 'speckled hill', reflecting the varied hues of its geological makeup.

Historical Significance

Orval holds significance as a local landmark for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, becoming a cherished part of regional hiking culture.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area near the Glen Orchy village, just off the A85 road. It can accommodate a handful of cars, so be sure to arrive early to snag a spot.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service comes from Tyndrum and stops at Glen Orchy. However, frequency may vary, so checking timetables is advisable.

Nearby Facilities

While facilities are sparse, Tyndrum has a few cafes and a shop for supplies. If you fancy a bite post-hike, the Green Welly Shop serves up hearty meals.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes that can result in poor visibility. Ensure you carry waterproof gear and check the forecast prior to your hike.

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 Orval?

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

Are there other walkers around Orval?

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 Orval search or of course create your own walk for Orval

Can I organise a walk to Orval?

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 Orval.

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 Orval?

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 Orval 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

Orval location map

Grid reference: NM333991

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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