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By Gary
Meall Odhar
Photo: Steven Brown / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph
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Graham · Arrochar & Trossachs

Meall Odhar

Meall Odhar (656m) — the dun hill — is a quiet shoulder in the NN29 square between Tyndrum and the head of Glen Lochay. Its rocky outcrop summit sits on a long crest of grass and rock with views west to the Cruach Ardrain group and east into Glen Lyon.

Quick facts

Height
656.9m/ 2155ft
Prominence
184 m
Distance
~13 km
Ascent
~538 m
Time
36 hrs
Difficulty
3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref
NN297298
Parking
NN317352
Nearest city
Oban· 44km
Dogs
Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

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Standard route

heather moorland 65% · grass and sedge 25% · bog and rushes 10%

13km · 538m ascent · 3.5 hrs

Park beside the A82 at Auch and follow the estate track east up Auch Gleann beneath the railway. Branch south up the broad open coire before the bothy and climb the steep grass flank onto the crest. The outcrop appears as a small rock platform at the southern end of the rolling ridge.

Terrain

Estate track and railway underpass on approach, then steep grass and bracken in the coire. The crest is firm short turf with scattered rock — a forgiving ridge for a windy day.

In winter

Auch Gleann channels heavy west-coast snow and the coire flanks of Meall Odhar carry windslab in north-westerlies. A short December day fits well from the A82.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Meall Odhar. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS West Highlands for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

  • Glasgow2h 41m
  • Edinburgh2h 21m
Parking: NN317352

OS maps: OS Landranger 50

Mobile signal: Moderate. EE on the A82 corridor near Auch; weaker once in Auch Gleann.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

15h 19mwalking daylight
Sunrise
06:20
Sunset
20:19
Civil dawn
05:40
Civil dusk
20:59

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 August 2026

On a long-distance route

Meall Odhar sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.

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Meall Odhar — common questions

How difficult is Meall Odhar?
Meall Odhar carries a 3/5 (moderately challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 13km, 538m of ascent and a 3-6 hour day on the standard route. Ground conditions: Estate track and railway underpass on approach, then steep grass and bracken in the coire.
How much drop does Meall Odhar have?
The drop is 184m: measured from the summit of Meall Odhar down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
Where's the parking for Meall Odhar?
Park at NN317352. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
What's the best month to climb Meall Odhar?
Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November on Meall Odhar. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
Can dogs go up Meall Odhar?
Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
Will I get phone signal on Meall Odhar?
Moderate. EE on the A82 corridor near Auch; weaker once in Auch Gleann.
Is Meall Odhar safe in winter?
Auch Gleann channels heavy west-coast snow and the coire flanks of Meall Odhar carry windslab in north-westerlies. A short December day fits well from the A82.

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