Graham · Arrochar & Trossachs
Meall nan Gabhar
A grassy summit at the head of Glen Strae north-east of Loch Awe, an outlier of the Beinn Eunaich-Beinn a' Chochuill ridge across the glen. Quiet and seldom climbed, with the bulk of Ben Cruachan filling the south-west view.
Gaelic: “rounded hill, of the, goat” · Pronunciation: myowl nan gabhar
Quick facts
- Height
- 744m/ 2441ft
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 610 m
- Time
- 4–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN235240
- Parking
- NN140290
- Nearest city
- Oban
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
estate track 30% · heather hillside 45% · grassy ridge 15% · summit area 10%
From the bridge at Castles in Glen Strae, walk the estate track north into the glen, then ascend the long grassy south-west spur. Featureless ridge walking leads to the summit boulder.
Terrain
Decent estate track, then trackless soft grass and scattered boulders. The ridge gives easy walking but no shelter.
In winter
Wet snow from passing Atlantic systems is the dominant winter condition. The ridge holds little snow but the burns lower down can be substantial obstacles when in spate after a thaw.
This hill is in the Lochaber SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 38m
- Edinburgh2h 25m
OS maps: OS Landranger 50
Mobile signal: Poor signal in upper Glen Lyon area
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:40
- Sunset
- 21:54
- Civil dawn
- 03:42
- Civil dusk
- 22:53
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Meall nan Gabhar on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Meall nan Gabhar — common questions
- How hard is Meall nan Gabhar?
- Meall nan Gabhar is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 610m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Decent estate track, then trackless soft grass and scattered boulders.
- Where do I park for Meall nan Gabhar?
- Standard parking is at NN140290 near Oban. 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 Gabhar?
- The standard good-weather months for Meall nan Gabhar are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Gabhar?
- 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 Gabhar?
- Poor signal in upper Glen Lyon area
- Is Meall nan Gabhar safe in winter?
- Wet snow from passing Atlantic systems is the dominant winter condition. The ridge holds little snow but the burns lower down can be substantial obstacles when in spate after a thaw.