Meall Ghaordaidh (named on some OS maps as Meall Ghaordie) is one of the less distinguished Munros, the usual ascent from Glen Lochay being up a broad grassy shoulder, though rewarded with a good view. The Glen Lyon side looks more interesting but is little visited.
Summary
Rutted track then sometimes wet path up a broad ridge.
Terrain
NN526363
Grid ref
9.5km/5.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Space to park 100m west of bridge over Allt Dhuin Croisg
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
No public transport to the start
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. There is space for about four cars a short distance past the bridge over Allt Dhuin Croisg on the road up Glen Lochay from Killin. Begin the walk by heading back along the road towards the bridge and then turning left through a gate signed for 'Access to Meall Ghaordaidh' before reaching it. This leads onto a rough track up through the fields; follow this, crossing the stile to the right when the track goes through a gate in a grass-topped stone wall.
Photo: jwramsay
2. The track continues uphill with the pretty little wooded ravine of the Allt Dhuin Croisg on the right. Higher up there are the remains of some old stone shielings, reminders of the days when shepherds would stay up on the hill. Leave the main track near a pole and small cairn (at the time of writing) to bear left, crossing a tiny burn and ascending onto the initially indefinite southeast ridge of Meall Ghaordaidh.
Photo: jwramsay
3. The ascent is mostly grassy and wet in places. Continue in the same direction as the ridge becomes marginally better defined whilst a shoulder is reached at about 750 metres. Beyond the climb steepens for the final push up to the summit trig point at 1039 metres, encircled by a stone wind-shelter. The views are good, particularly northwest over the head of Glen Lyon and its loch.
Photo: jwramsay
4. If returning to Glen Lochay, the quickest route is to go back the same way. The Glen Lyon side of the mountain has a more interesting appearance as to this side Meall Ghaordaidh is buttressed by two rocky spurs, Creag Laoghain and Creag an Tulabhain. The ascent from here is a little tougher and requires more effort, usually being made via Coire Loaghain between the two spurs.
Photo: jwramsay
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