Meall Corranaich
1,069m
Perthshire
“Hill of the Sickle/Bracken”
1,069mHeight
15.9kmRound trip
5.5–7.2hWalk time
HardDifficulty 4/5
Photo: Podzemnik · CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
About this Munro
Meall Corranaich is a 1,069m Munro in the Perthshire region, its Gaelic name meaning “hill of the sickle/bracken”. It stands 70th of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Ben Lawers range from Ben Lawers car park — is a 15.9km round trip taking 5.5–7.2 hours, rated hard (4/5).
Plan your day
Routes & Navigation
There is 1 route to the summit of Meall Corranaich, covering 15.9km.
Route preview
Ben Lawers range from Ben Lawers car park
Hard5.5–7.2h round trip15.9km distance↑855m ascent
Bog ratingSlight
ParkingBen Lawers NTS Car Park
Step-by-step guideIn the app
Climbing Meall Corranaich
Meall Corranaich forms part of the magnificent Ben Lawers range, typically climbed from the Ben Lawers NTS Car Park on a…
Climbing Meall Corranaich
Meall Corranaich forms part of the magnificent Ben Lawers range, typically climbed from the Ben Lawers NTS Car Park on a…
Meall Corranaich forms part of the magnificent Ben Lawers range, typically climbed from the Ben Lawers NTS Car Park on a circuit covering 15.9 kilometres. The route is rated 4 out of 5 for difficulty, reflecting the sustained climbing and distance rather than technical challenges. You'll encounter generally dry underfoot conditions, a welcome contrast to many Perthshire hills, with bog levels rated just 2 out of 5.
The ascent involves steady gradients as you work your way up the southern flanks of the Ben Lawers massif. Well-maintained National Trust for Scotland paths provide good footing for much of the route, though higher sections become rockier and more natural. The terrain on Meall Corranaich consists of grassy slopes interspersed with rocky outcrops, with the mountain typically tackled as part of a longer ridge walk.
The gradient steepens as you approach the summit, but there are no scrambling sections. The relatively dry conditions make this an excellent choice even after wet weather.
Best Time to Climb Meall Corranaich
Summer and early autumn provide ideal conditions for tackling Meall Corranaich as part of the Ben Lawers range circuit.…
Best Time to Climb Meall Corranaich
Summer and early autumn provide ideal conditions for tackling Meall Corranaich as part of the Ben Lawers range circuit.…
Summer and early autumn provide ideal conditions for tackling Meall Corranaich as part of the Ben Lawers range circuit. The 5.5 to 7.2 hour route demands good daylight, making late spring through summer particularly suitable when days are longest. The Perthshire location offers slightly more benign weather than the western Highlands, though conditions can still change rapidly at over 1000 metres elevation.
Autumn brings stunning colours to the lower slopes of Meall Corranaich while typically maintaining stable weather patterns. Winter transforms this mountain into a serious proposition, requiring full winter skills including ice axe and crampons. The ridge sections can develop dangerous cornices, and the rocky sections become icy.
Spring offers excellent snow climbing opportunities, with the drier nature of Meall Corranaich sometimes providing better consolidated snow than wetter western hills. The height of 1069 metres means summit conditions differ markedly from the glen, so always check mountain weather forecasts specifically.
Getting to Meall Corranaich
The Ben Lawers NTS Car Park provides excellent access to Meall Corranaich and the wider range. This well-maintained…
Getting to Meall Corranaich
The Ben Lawers NTS Car Park provides excellent access to Meall Corranaich and the wider range. This well-maintained…
The Ben Lawers NTS Car Park provides excellent access to Meall Corranaich and the wider range. This well-maintained National Trust for Scotland facility sits on the minor road running along the north side of Loch Tay, accessible from Killin or Aberfeldy. The car park is signposted from the main A827 and offers substantial parking, though it can fill completely on fine summer weekends.
There's a visitor centre at the car park with information about the range and toilets available. The single-track road to the car park is generally well-maintained and accessible year-round to regular vehicles, though snow can occasionally cause issues in deep winter. Meall Corranaich benefits from this excellent infrastructure, making it more accessible than many comparable Munros. An early start is recommended during peak season to secure parking.
The location offers good mobile signal at the start, useful for final weather checks.
Meall Corranaich Summit
At 1069 metres, the summit of Meall Corranaich offers spectacular views along the Ben Lawers ridge and across the…
Meall Corranaich Summit
At 1069 metres, the summit of Meall Corranaich offers spectacular views along the Ben Lawers ridge and across the…
At 1069 metres, the summit of Meall Corranaich offers spectacular views along the Ben Lawers ridge and across the breadth of the central Highlands. The summit cairn sits on a relatively narrow rocky crest, quite different from the broad plateaus of some neighbouring peaks. You'll find the views particularly dramatic looking along the ridge towards the higher peaks of the Ben Lawers massif.
Loch Tay stretches below to the south, while northern views extend across vast areas of Perthshire moorland. The summit of Meall Corranaich provides limited natural shelter, with the ridge-top position meaning exposure to wind from multiple directions. Rocky outcrops near the cairn offer some seating and minimal wind protection. On clear days, the panorama extends to distant peaks in the Cairngorms and beyond.
The position on the ridge makes this summit particularly atmospheric, with steep drops on either side adding to the sense of exposure and achievement.
Wildlife on Meall Corranaich
The Ben Lawers range, including Meall Corranaich, is renowned for its exceptional alpine flora, protected by the…
Wildlife on Meall Corranaich
The Ben Lawers range, including Meall Corranaich, is renowned for its exceptional alpine flora, protected by the…
The Ben Lawers range, including Meall Corranaich, is renowned for its exceptional alpine flora, protected by the National Trust for Scotland. The lower slopes feature typical Highland heather moorland, with bell heather and ling creating purple carpets in late summer. As you climb Meall Corranaich, you enter zones of montane heath with dwarf willow, mountain azalea, and diverse moss and lichen communities.
The area is particularly special for rare arctic-alpine plants that survive here from the last ice age. Red deer roam these hills in substantial numbers, while mountain hares inhabit the higher slopes. Bird life includes ptarmigan above 900 metres, which change their plumage with the seasons for camouflage. Peregrines and golden eagles hunt across the range, and you may spot them from Meall Corranaich's summit ridge.
The relatively dry conditions of Perthshire compared to the west coast create distinct plant communities, with less sphagnum moss and more grassy terrain.
Meall Corranaich Tips
The 4 out of 5 difficulty rating for the Ben Lawers circuit including Meall Corranaich demands good fitness and mountain…
Meall Corranaich Tips
The 4 out of 5 difficulty rating for the Ben Lawers circuit including Meall Corranaich demands good fitness and mountain…
The 4 out of 5 difficulty rating for the Ben Lawers circuit including Meall Corranaich demands good fitness and mountain experience. Navigation skills are essential, particularly in poor visibility when the ridges can become confusing. Carry full navigation equipment including map, compass, and GPS.
The height of Meall Corranaich at 1069 metres means you'll experience genuine mountain weather, so pack layers, waterproofs, and wind protection even on mild days at car park level. Water sources are limited on the ridge, so carry adequate supplies for the 5.5 to 7.2 hour round trip. The rocky terrain demands sturdy boots with good ankle support. While bog levels are low, brief boggy sections exist, so waterproof footwear is still essential.
Mobile signal is generally poor once away from the car park area. Be aware of your position on the ridge and allow sufficient time to descend before darkness. The National Trust for Scotland asks walkers to stay on paths where possible to protect the rare alpine flora.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Meall Corranaich.
How tall is Meall Corranaich?
Meall Corranaich stands at 1,069 metres (3,507 feet), making it the 70th tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
What does Meall Corranaich mean in Gaelic?
The name Meall Corranaich translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Hill of the Sickle/Bracken”.
How long does it take to climb Meall Corranaich?
Climbing Meall Corranaich typically takes between 5.5 and 7.2 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen.
Where do I park for Meall Corranaich?
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Meall Corranaich, in the Perthshire area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.
How difficult is Meall Corranaich to climb?
Meall Corranaich is rated Hard (difficulty 4/5).
What is the best route up Meall Corranaich?
The most popular route up Meall Corranaich covers 15.9km, 5.5–7.2 hours round trip.
Is Meall Corranaich good for beginners?
Meall Corranaich (difficulty 4/5 at 1,069m) is best suited to experienced hillwalkers in the Perthshire area. Expect sustained steep terrain and the need for confident navigation in poor visibility.
What region is Meall Corranaich in?
Meall Corranaich is in the Perthshire region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include An Stùc, Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl), Beinn Ghlas.