Meall Ghaordaidh
1,039m
Perthshire
“Hill of the Shoulder”
1,039mHeight
13.1kmRound trip
5.7–7.4hWalk time
ChallengingDifficulty 3/5
Photo: GeographBot · CC BY-SA 2.0
Overview
About this Munro
Meall Ghaordaidh is a 1,039m Munro in the Perthshire region, its Gaelic name meaning “hill of the shoulder”. It stands 97th of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Meall Ghaordaidh from Glen Lochay — is a 13.1km round trip taking 5.7–7.4 hours, rated challenging (3/5).
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Routes & Navigation
There is 1 route to the summit of Meall Ghaordaidh, covering 13.1km.
Route preview
Meall Ghaordaidh from Glen Lochay
Challenging5.7–7.4h round trip13.1km distance↑831m ascent
Bog ratingModerate
ParkingKenknock Car Park
Step-by-step guideIn the app
Climbing Meall Ghaordaidh
The ascent of Meall Ghaordaidh from Kenknock Car Park in Glen Lochay covers 13.1 kilometres with a difficulty rating of…
Climbing Meall Ghaordaidh
The ascent of Meall Ghaordaidh from Kenknock Car Park in Glen Lochay covers 13.1 kilometres with a difficulty rating of…
The ascent of Meall Ghaordaidh from Kenknock Car Park in Glen Lochay covers 13.1 kilometres with a difficulty rating of 3 out of 5, making this a accessible but still challenging Munro. You'll encounter significant boggy sections, with the route rated 3 out of 5 for bog, so waterproof boots are essential equipment. The path quality varies from well-defined lower sections to vaguer tracks across the upper mountain.
The gradient on Meall Ghaordaidh is steady rather than punishing, with the mountain's rounded profile meaning there are no sudden steep pitches. Initial approaches cross typical Perthshire moorland before you gain the mountain's broad southern flanks. The terrain consists of grass and heather on the lower slopes, transitioning to rockier ground and montane vegetation as height is gained.
Most walkers tackle Meall Ghaordaidh as a single objective, the mountain being somewhat separate from other Munros. The rounded character means navigation requires care in poor visibility, as few distinctive features guide the way. The route offers classic Scottish hillwalking on a mountain that sees fewer visitors than its more famous neighbours.
Best Time to Climb Meall Ghaordaidh
Summer and autumn provide ideal conditions for climbing Meall Ghaordaidh, when the 5.7 to 7.4 hour round trip benefits…
Best Time to Climb Meall Ghaordaidh
Summer and autumn provide ideal conditions for climbing Meall Ghaordaidh, when the 5.7 to 7.4 hour round trip benefits…
Summer and autumn provide ideal conditions for climbing Meall Ghaordaidh, when the 5.7 to 7.4 hour round trip benefits from long daylight hours. The Perthshire location offers generally more settled weather than the western Highlands, though conditions can still change rapidly at the 1039 metre summit. Late spring sees the Glen Lochay approaches burst into life, with birdsong and fresh vegetation making the moorland crossing particularly pleasant.
Summer brings the longest days and typically the most stable weather, though midges can be troublesome in still conditions on the lower, wetter sections. Autumn on Meall Ghaordaidh is spectacular, with heather in bloom and later the bracken turning golden-brown across the hillsides. The boggy nature of parts of the route means they're at their worst during and after prolonged wet weather.
Winter transforms this mountain into a genuine winter climbing objective, requiring full winter skills including ice axe and crampons, with the rounded profile making navigation particularly challenging in whiteout conditions. The height means snow can linger well into spring.
Getting to Meall Ghaordaidh
Access to Meall Ghaordaidh begins at Kenknock Car Park in Glen Lochay, reached via minor roads from Killin on the A827.…
Getting to Meall Ghaordaidh
Access to Meall Ghaordaidh begins at Kenknock Car Park in Glen Lochay, reached via minor roads from Killin on the A827.…
Access to Meall Ghaordaidh begins at Kenknock Car Park in Glen Lochay, reached via minor roads from Killin on the A827. The approach road runs along the north side of Loch Tay before branching into Glen Lochay, a beautiful and relatively quiet glen. The single-track road is generally well-maintained and suitable for normal vehicles, though passing places require courteous driving.
Kenknock Car Park provides parking for several vehicles and serves as the trailhead for Meall Ghaordaidh. The remoteness of this location means facilities are limited to the car park itself, with no toilets or visitor infrastructure. Mobile phone signal is poor and often absent in the glen. The drive to reach Meall Ghaordaidh takes you through stunning Highland scenery, with the journey forming part of the mountain experience.
During summer weekends the car park can fill, though it's generally quieter than more famous locations like Ben Lawers. The peaceful character of Glen Lochay adds to the sense of escaping into wild country.
Meall Ghaordaidh Summit
The summit of Meall Ghaordaidh at 1039 metres offers a broad, rounded top with extensive views across Perthshire and the…
Meall Ghaordaidh Summit
The summit of Meall Ghaordaidh at 1039 metres offers a broad, rounded top with extensive views across Perthshire and the…
The summit of Meall Ghaordaidh at 1039 metres offers a broad, rounded top with extensive views across Perthshire and the central Highlands. The cairn sits on this expansive summit area, which can feel exposed in strong winds. On clear days, you'll enjoy panoramic views extending to the Ben Lawers range to the east, with Ben More and surrounding peaks visible to the west.
The rounded nature of Meall Ghaordaidh's summit means 360-degree views are possible, taking in vast areas of Highland landscape. Natural shelter is limited on this exposed summit plateau, with only scattered rocks providing minimal wind protection. The highest point can be difficult to identify in poor visibility, making careful navigation essential in mist or snow.
When weather permits, the views from Meall Ghaordaidh extend to distant peaks in multiple directions, with Loch Tay sometimes visible glinting far below. The summit rocks offer seating for a break, but you'll want warm layers as the wind rarely stops at this altitude, even on seemingly calm days lower down.
Wildlife on Meall Ghaordaidh
The approach to Meall Ghaordaidh crosses varied habitats supporting diverse wildlife and plant communities. The lower…
Wildlife on Meall Ghaordaidh
The approach to Meall Ghaordaidh crosses varied habitats supporting diverse wildlife and plant communities. The lower…
The approach to Meall Ghaordaidh crosses varied habitats supporting diverse wildlife and plant communities. The lower Glen Lochay moorland features extensive heather, with bell heather and ling creating purple displays in late summer. Boggy sections support sphagnum mosses, cotton grass, and specialized wetland plants. As you climb Meall Ghaordaidh, the vegetation transitions to montane heath with dwarf shrubs, lichens, and hardy grasses adapted to exposure and altitude.
Red deer are frequently encountered on these hills, with the glen providing important grazing and rutting grounds. Mountain hares inhabit the higher slopes of Meall Ghaordaidh, though their excellent camouflage makes them easy to miss. Birdlife includes red grouse in the heather moorland, meadow pipits singing across the slopes in summer, and skylarks filling the air with song.
Higher up, ptarmigan may be encountered on the rocky upper slopes, while ravens and buzzards are common throughout. Golden eagles hunt across this country, their impressive wingspans making them unmistakable when spotted. The Perthshire climate supports rich biodiversity.
Meall Ghaordaidh Tips
The 3 out of 5 difficulty rating for Meall Ghaordaidh indicates this is suitable for competent hillwalkers with good…
Meall Ghaordaidh Tips
The 3 out of 5 difficulty rating for Meall Ghaordaidh indicates this is suitable for competent hillwalkers with good…
The 3 out of 5 difficulty rating for Meall Ghaordaidh indicates this is suitable for competent hillwalkers with good fitness, though it's not to be underestimated. Navigation skills are essential, particularly in poor visibility when the rounded summit and featureless approaches can be disorienting. Carry map, compass, and GPS, and be confident in their use.
The 13-kilometre route with significant bog requires waterproof boots and gaiters, keeping you more comfortable throughout the 5.7 to 7.4 hour journey. Water sources exist but aren't always reliable, so carry adequate supplies. At 1039 metres, Meall Ghaordaidh experiences genuine mountain conditions, so pack full waterproofs, warm layers, and wind protection regardless of valley weather. Mobile signal is poor to non-existent throughout most of the route.
Start early enough to ensure you're off the mountain before darkness, allowing extra time beyond the estimated hours for navigation and breaks. The remote nature of this mountain means self-sufficiency is essential. The boggy sections can be energy-sapping, so factor this into your fitness assessment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Meall Ghaordaidh.
How tall is Meall Ghaordaidh?
Meall Ghaordaidh stands at 1,039 metres (3,409 feet), making it the 97th tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
What does Meall Ghaordaidh mean in Gaelic?
The name Meall Ghaordaidh translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Hill of the Shoulder”.
How long does it take to climb Meall Ghaordaidh?
Climbing Meall Ghaordaidh typically takes between 5.7 and 7.4 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen.
Where do I park for Meall Ghaordaidh?
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Meall Ghaordaidh, in the Perthshire area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.
How difficult is Meall Ghaordaidh to climb?
Meall Ghaordaidh is rated Challenging (difficulty 3/5).
What is the best route up Meall Ghaordaidh?
The most popular route up Meall Ghaordaidh covers 13.1km, 5.7–7.4 hours round trip.
Is Meall Ghaordaidh good for beginners?
Meall Ghaordaidh (difficulty 3/5 at 1,039m in the Perthshire area) suits walkers with solid hillwalking experience. Expect rough or boggy ground on sections but no technical scrambling.
What region is Meall Ghaordaidh in?
Meall Ghaordaidh is in the Perthshire region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include An Stùc, Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl), Beinn Ghlas.