How hard is Meall Doire Faid?

Meall Doire Faid is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 597m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Boggy moorland for the first kilometre, then firmer ground on the ridge.

Where do I park for Meall Doire Faid?

Standard parking is at NH223795 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Meall Doire Faid?

The standard good-weather months for Meall Doire Faid are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Meall Doire Faid?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Meall Doire Faid?

Meall Doire Faid is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 597m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Boggy moorland for the first kilometre, then firmer ground on the ridge.

Where do I park for Meall Doire Faid?

Standard parking is at NH223795 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Meall Doire Faid?

The standard good-weather months for Meall Doire Faid are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Meall Doire Faid?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Trevor Littlewood / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Graham · North-West Highlands

Meall Doire Faid

A roadside Graham above the Dirrie More on the A835 between Garve and Ullapool. Easy access from the road makes it a popular leg-stretcher for travellers heading north. 728 m summit, 13 km out-and-back from Ullapool, 597 m of ascent. North-West Highlands.

Quick facts

Height: 728.8m/ 2391ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 597 m
Time: 4–6 hrs
Difficulty: 4 / 5Serious
Grid ref: NH220792
Parking: NH223795
Nearest: Ullapool· Inverness 56km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

glen track 25% · rough heather 45% · grassy upper slopes 20% · summit area 10%

13km · 597m ascent · 3.6 hrs

Park at the layby near the Allt na Lairige Moire on the A835. A faint path heads south-west across the moor and up the broad north-east ridge. The summit trig stands on a wide stony plateau.

Terrain

Boggy moorland for the first kilometre, then firmer ground on the ridge. Quartzite blocks scattered across the summit plateau. No real path beyond the moor crossing.

In winter

The Dirrie More is one of the snowier mainland passes — A835 closures are common in storms. Once on the hill the angle is gentle but the plateau navigation is demanding under cloud or fresh snowfall.

This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow4h 10m
Edinburgh4h 25m

Parking: NH223795

OS maps: OS Landranger 20

Mobile signal: Reception along the A835; gone within ten minutes of leaving the road

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 45mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:30
Sunset: 22:05
Civil dawn: 03:25
Civil dusk: 23:10

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Meall Doire Faid on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Ardgay station

Kyle of Sutherland; Croick; Far North Line

39km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Ullapool

Main NW Highlands hub; Hebrides ferry; Inverpolly access

17km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Meall Doire Faid — common questions

How hard is Meall Doire Faid?: Meall Doire Faid is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 597m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Boggy moorland for the first kilometre, then firmer ground on the ridge.
Where do I park for Meall Doire Faid?: Standard parking is at NH223795 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Meall Doire Faid?: The standard good-weather months for Meall Doire Faid are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
Can I bring my dog up Meall Doire Faid?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
Is there mobile signal on Meall Doire Faid?: Reception along the A835; gone within ten minutes of leaving the road
Is Meall Doire Faid safe in winter?: The Dirrie More is one of the snowier mainland passes — A835 closures are common in storms. Once on the hill the angle is gentle but the plateau navigation is demanding under cloud or fresh snowfall.