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
- 3–6 hrs
- 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).
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
heather moorland 65% · grass and sedge 25% · bog and rushes 10%
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. The ridge itself is benign once gained, but the coire approach merits a SAIS Glencoe check in any unstable spell. A short December day fits well from the A82.
This hill is in the Southern Highlands SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 41m
- Edinburgh2h 21m
OS maps: OS Landranger 50
Mobile signal: Moderate. EE on the A82 corridor near Auch; weaker once in Auch Gleann.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:48
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:49
- Civil dusk
- 23:00
NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 July 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.
Around Meall Odhar on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
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. The ridge itself is benign once gained, but the coire approach merits a SAIS Glencoe check in any unstable spell. A short December day fits well from the A82.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.