How hard is Meall nan Damh?

Meall nan Damh is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 593m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Forest road, then rough plantation and felled blocks.

Where do I park for Meall nan Damh?

Standard parking is at NM900747 near Fort William. 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 nan Damh?

The standard good-weather months for Meall nan Damh 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 nan Damh?

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

How hard is Meall nan Damh?

Meall nan Damh is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 593m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Forest road, then rough plantation and felled blocks.

Where do I park for Meall nan Damh?

Standard parking is at NM900747 near Fort William. 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 nan Damh?

The standard good-weather months for Meall nan Damh 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 nan Damh?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Steven Brown / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Graham · Glen Coe & Lochaber

Meall nan Damh

A remote heathery Graham in the wild country south of Loch Shiel, between Polloch and Glenfinnan. Reached by a long forest road approach with the West Highland Line for company.

Gaelic: “rounded hill, of the, stag” · Pronunciation: myowl nan dav

Quick facts

Height: 723.4m/ 2373ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 593 m
Time: 4–6 hrs
Difficulty: 4 / 5Serious
Grid ref: NM919744
Parking: NM900747
Nearest city: Fort William
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

loch-side path 20% · heather hillside 45% · grassy ridge 25% · summit area 10%

13km · 593m ascent · 3.6 hrs

Start at Polloch on the south side of Loch Shiel. Follow the forest road south-west into the upper Polloch glen, then leave the track and climb the north-east ridge through young plantation onto the heather summit.

Terrain

Forest road, then rough plantation and felled blocks. Above the treeline, deep heather and small lochans. No path of any kind on the upper hill.

In winter

Maritime west-coast snow — wet, sticky and short-lived. The Polloch forest road can be blocked by windblown trees after winter storms. Daylight is the main constraint.

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

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 43m
Edinburgh3h 13m

Parking: NM900747

OS maps: OS Landranger 40

Mobile signal: No signal at Polloch or beyond

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 21mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:39
Sunset: 21:59
Civil dawn: 03:39
Civil dusk: 23:00

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Meall nan Damh on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Glenfinnan station

Glenfinnan Viaduct; Streap, Sgurr Thuilm, Glen Finnan Munros

6km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Fort William

Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber

19km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Ben Nevis Distillery

Fort William — Lochaber distillery at the foot of the Ben; long-aged Japanese-owned classics

20km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Meall nan Damh — common questions

How hard is Meall nan Damh?: Meall nan Damh is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 593m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Forest road, then rough plantation and felled blocks.
Where do I park for Meall nan Damh?: Standard parking is at NM900747 near Fort William. 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 nan Damh?: The standard good-weather months for Meall nan Damh 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 nan Damh?: 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 nan Damh?: No signal at Polloch or beyond
Is Meall nan Damh safe in winter?: Maritime west-coast snow — wet, sticky and short-lived. The Polloch forest road can be blocked by windblown trees after winter storms. Daylight is the main constraint.