Tomnabhal

Tomnabhal

Tomnabhal Group Walks | Join a Walk

552m Elevation
76m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Classifications

Dodd Highland Five

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Tomnabhal together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

552m

1,811 ft

Prominence

76m

Coordinates

57.9697, -6.7958

NB165078

OS Map

13 14

Explorer: 456

At the Summit

The summit features a distinct cairn and an impressive trig point, perfect for those Instagram snaps. On a clear day, you could convince your friends you’re atop the world!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some boggy patches – bring your wellies or you're in for a squelchy surprise.

Tomnabhal is primarily composed of schist and gneiss, typical of the Scottish Highlands. These ancient metamorphic rocks provide a rugged terrain that tells a story of geological activity over millions of years.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the rugged highlands, Loch Ness, and distant peaks including Ben Wyvis and the Cairngorms.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Tomnabhal derives from the Gaelic 'Tom na Bhal', meaning 'Hill of the Bough', hinting at its lush surroundings.

Historical Significance

The mountain features in local folklore, with tales of eerie lights and ancient spirits. Ideal for a ghost story around the campfire!

Popular Routes

West of Tomnabhal Route

Moderate

Starting from the A862, this pleasant trek takes you through lush green valleys before ascending the more rugged slopes of Tomnabhal.

6.5 km 2.5 hours

Insertion of Thundering River Route

Challenging

This route takes you along the banks of a river with stunning views before ascending directly to the summit, perfect for those who enjoy a challenge.

7 km 3 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a layby on the A862 near the trailhead, providing ample space to park your car. Just don't forget to bring some snacks!

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is located in the village of Garve, approximately 10 km from the starting point. Check local timetable for service info.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities nearby, but Garve offers a couple of small shops and cafes to stock up on your hiking essentials, and perhaps a scone or two.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden weather changes common in the Highlands, especially fog and rain. Watch out for slippery stones and boggy areas.

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

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Tomnabhal?

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

Are there other walkers around Tomnabhal?

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 Tomnabhal search or of course create your own walk for Tomnabhal

Can I organise a walk to Tomnabhal?

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 Tomnabhal.

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 Tomnabhal?

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 Tomnabhal 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