Meall Greigh
1,001m
Perthshire
“Hill of the Horse Studs”
1,001mHeight
15.9kmRound trip
5.5–7.2hWalk time
HardDifficulty 4/5
Photo: Dave souza · CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview
About this Munro
Meall Greigh is a 1,001m Munro in the Perthshire region, its Gaelic name meaning “hill of the horse studs”. It stands 141st 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).
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Routes & Navigation
There is 1 route to the summit of Meall Greigh, covering 15.9km.
Route preview
Ben Lawers range from Ben Lawers car park
Hard5.5–7.2h round trip15.9km distance↑801m ascent
Bog ratingSlight
ParkingBen Lawers NTS Car Park
Step-by-step guideIn the app
Climbing Meall Greigh
Meall Greigh rises to 1001 metres as part of the magnificent Ben Lawers range, typically climbed from the Ben Lawers NTS…
Climbing Meall Greigh
Meall Greigh rises to 1001 metres as part of the magnificent Ben Lawers range, typically climbed from the Ben Lawers NTS…
Meall Greigh rises to 1001 metres as part of the magnificent Ben Lawers range, typically climbed from the Ben Lawers NTS Car Park on the 15.9 kilometre circuit. The route is rated 4 out of 5 for difficulty, reflecting sustained climbing and significant distance rather than technical challenges. You'll find underfoot conditions generally excellent, with bog levels rated just 2 out of 5, making this a good choice even after wet weather.
The ascent involves steady gradients as you work along the ridge system, with well-maintained National Trust paths on lower sections giving way to more natural terrain higher up. The character of Meall Greigh is one of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops, with the mountain forming an integral part of the Ben Lawers horseshoe. Most walkers tackle Meall Greigh as part of the wider circuit, enjoying the classic ridge walking that links multiple summits.
Path quality remains good throughout most of the route, though the higher sections require careful foot placement. The relatively dry nature of the terrain makes this an accessible objective compared to wetter western hills. The ascent is described as relatively short compared to many Munros, though still demanding.
Best Time to Climb Meall Greigh
Late spring through early autumn provides the optimal window for climbing Meall Greigh as part of the Ben Lawers range.…
Best Time to Climb Meall Greigh
Late spring through early autumn provides the optimal window for climbing Meall Greigh as part of the Ben Lawers range.…
Late spring through early autumn provides the optimal window for climbing Meall Greigh as part of the Ben Lawers range. The 5.5 to 7.2 hour circuit requires adequate daylight, making summer particularly attractive with its long days and generally more stable weather. At 1001 metres, Meall Greigh experiences genuine mountain conditions that can differ dramatically from the glen below.
The Perthshire location typically offers more settled weather than western regions, though rapid changes remain possible. Summer on Meall Greigh brings the longest days and usually the most stable conditions, though afternoon thunderstorms can develop over high peaks. Autumn offers spectacular colours on the lower slopes combined with often excellent visibility and settled high pressure systems.
Winter transforms this mountain into a serious proposition requiring full winter mountaineering skills including ice axe, crampons, and avalanche awareness. The ridge sections can develop dangerous cornices. Spring can provide outstanding snow climbing opportunities, with the relatively dry character of Meall Greigh sometimes offering better snow conditions than wetter western peaks. Always check mountain-specific weather forecasts.
Getting to Meall Greigh
The Ben Lawers NTS Car Park provides excellent access to Meall Greigh, offering well-maintained facilities managed by…
Getting to Meall Greigh
The Ben Lawers NTS Car Park provides excellent access to Meall Greigh, offering well-maintained facilities managed by…
The Ben Lawers NTS Car Park provides excellent access to Meall Greigh, offering well-maintained facilities managed by the National Trust for Scotland. This substantial car park is located on the minor road running along Loch Tay's north shore, easily accessed from Killin to the west or Aberfeldy to the east via the A827.
The single-track approach road is well-maintained and suitable for all normal vehicles year-round, though winter snow can occasionally cause temporary issues. The car park at the Ben Lawers facility is extensive but can completely fill on fine summer weekends, making early arrival strongly recommended. Facilities include toilets and an information centre about the range and its natural history.
From the car park, well-signed paths lead towards Meall Greigh and the wider ridge system. Mobile phone signal is generally available at the car park, useful for final weather checks before setting out. The excellent infrastructure makes Meall Greigh more accessible than many comparable Munros, though the mountain itself still demands proper preparation and respect for the mountain environment.
Meall Greigh Summit
At 1001 metres, the summit of Meall Greigh offers commanding views along the Ben Lawers ridge and across the breadth of…
Meall Greigh Summit
At 1001 metres, the summit of Meall Greigh offers commanding views along the Ben Lawers ridge and across the breadth of…
At 1001 metres, the summit of Meall Greigh offers commanding views along the Ben Lawers ridge and across the breadth of Perthshire. The summit cairn sits on a rocky crest with the characteristic feel of a proper mountain top. From Meall Greigh, you'll enjoy spectacular views along the ridge towards neighbouring summits, with the shapely profiles of the other peaks creating a dramatic Highland skyline.
To the south, Loch Tay stretches into the distance, its waters reflecting the sky on calm days. Northern views from Meall Greigh extend across seemingly endless hills and glens into the heart of the Highlands. The summit provides limited natural shelter, being exposed to winds from most directions, though rocky outcrops offer some protection for breaks.
On the clearest days, the panorama extends to very distant peaks including the Cairngorms to the northeast and western mountains towards Rannoch and Glen Coe. The rocky summit area provides seating among the boulders, but wind-proof layers are essential as the breeze is persistent. The sense of space and achievement from Meall Greigh's summit is remarkable.
Wildlife on Meall Greigh
The Ben Lawers range, including Meall Greigh, is nationally important for its exceptional botanical diversity, with rare…
Wildlife on Meall Greigh
The Ben Lawers range, including Meall Greigh, is nationally important for its exceptional botanical diversity, with rare…
The Ben Lawers range, including Meall Greigh, is nationally important for its exceptional botanical diversity, with rare arctic-alpine plants protected by the National Trust for Scotland. The lower slopes feature classic Highland vegetation with heather, bilberry, and various grasses creating textured landscapes.
As you gain height on Meall Greigh, vegetation transitions to specialized montane communities with dwarf shrubs, cushion plants, and extensive moss and lichen coverage. The area is particularly renowned for rare species including alpine forget-me-not, mountain saxifrage, and alpine gentian. Red deer roam these hills in considerable numbers, with herds often visible on approaches to Meall Greigh or on distant slopes.
Mountain hares inhabit the higher ground, their coats white in winter and brown-grey in summer for seasonal camouflage. Birdlife is diverse, with meadow pipits and wheatears common in summer months, while ptarmigan occupy the highest rocky zones above 900 metres. Golden eagles regularly patrol these mountains, and you may spot them soaring from Meall Greigh's summit. The Perthshire location, being drier than western hills, supports distinct plant communities.
Meall Greigh Tips
The 4 out of 5 difficulty rating for the Ben Lawers circuit including Meall Greigh indicates this is suitable for fit,…
Meall Greigh Tips
The 4 out of 5 difficulty rating for the Ben Lawers circuit including Meall Greigh indicates this is suitable for fit,…
The 4 out of 5 difficulty rating for the Ben Lawers circuit including Meall Greigh indicates this is suitable for fit, experienced hillwalkers but shouldn't be taken lightly. Good navigation skills are essential, as ridge systems can become confusing in poor visibility despite generally good paths. Carry map, compass, and GPS, ensuring you're confident using them before departure.
At 1001 metres, Meall Greigh experiences true mountain weather, so pack warm layers, waterproofs, and wind protection regardless of conditions at car park level. Water sources become scarce on the ridge, so carry adequate supplies for the 5.5 to 7.2 hour journey. Sturdy boots with good ankle support are essential for the rocky terrain. While bog levels are low on Meall Greigh, waterproof footwear remains important for inevitable damp sections.
Mobile signal deteriorates rapidly once away from the car park area. Allow sufficient time to complete the circuit before darkness, particularly outside summer months when days shorten quickly. The National Trust for Scotland manages this land to protect rare plants, so please stay on established paths where they exist to minimize environmental impact.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Meall Greigh.
How tall is Meall Greigh?
Meall Greigh stands at 1,001 metres (3,284 feet), making it the 141st tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
What does Meall Greigh mean in Gaelic?
The name Meall Greigh translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Hill of the Horse Studs”.
How long does it take to climb Meall Greigh?
Climbing Meall Greigh 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 Greigh?
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Meall Greigh, in the Perthshire area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.
How difficult is Meall Greigh to climb?
Meall Greigh is rated Hard (difficulty 4/5).
What is the best route up Meall Greigh?
The most popular route up Meall Greigh covers 15.9km, 5.5–7.2 hours round trip.
Is Meall Greigh good for beginners?
Meall Greigh (difficulty 4/5 at 1,001m) 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 Greigh in?
Meall Greigh is in the Perthshire region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include An Stùc, Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl), Beinn Ghlas.