How hard is Meallan a' Chuail?

Meallan a' Chuail is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 615m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: Excellent stalkers' path on the approach, then knobbly trackless gneiss requiring constant route-choice between outcrops.

Where do I park for Meallan a' Chuail?

Standard parking is at NC393320 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 Meallan a' Chuail?

The standard good-weather months for Meallan a' Chuail 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 Meallan a' Chuail?

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

How hard is Meallan a' Chuail?

Meallan a' Chuail is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 615m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: Excellent stalkers' path on the approach, then knobbly trackless gneiss requiring constant route-choice between outcrops.

Where do I park for Meallan a' Chuail?

Standard parking is at NC393320 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 Meallan a' Chuail?

The standard good-weather months for Meallan a' Chuail 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 Meallan a' Chuail?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Colin Park / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Graham · Far North

Meallan a' Chuail

A small Lewisian gneiss summit rising above Loch Glendhu in west Sutherland, paired closely with the Corbett Beinn Leoid to the north-east. The whole area is a chaos of bare bedrock knolls and tiny lochans giving views deep into the Reay Forest.

Quick facts

Height: 750.5m/ 2462ft
Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 615 m
Time: 4–7 hrs
Difficulty: 4 / 5Serious
Grid ref: NC344292
Parking: NC393320
Nearest: Ullapool· Inverness 90km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

coast path 20% · deep heather 45% · grassy upper slopes 25% · summit area 10%

14km · 615m ascent · 3.8 hrs

Start at Loch Merkland on the A838 and follow the stalkers' path west through the woodland to Loch an Leothaid. From there, rough trackless ground south-west leads up the heathery flank to the rocky little top.

Terrain

Excellent stalkers' path on the approach, then knobbly trackless gneiss requiring constant route-choice between outcrops. Wet hollows and small lochans break up the line.

In winter

A short hill but the surrounding terrain becomes a navigation puzzle in snow as the small lochans and outcrops merge into one white surface. Sub-zero days bring rime to the gneiss; eye to weather windows is essential at this latitude.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow5h 5m
Edinburgh5h 12m

Parking: NC393320

OS maps: OS Landranger 15

Mobile signal: No signal in this remote Loch Morar/Knoydart area

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 56mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:26
Sunset: 22:08
Civil dawn: 03:19
Civil dusk: 23:15

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Meallan a' Chuail on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Lairg station

Central Sutherland; Ben Klibreck approach; gateway to Far North inland

34km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Lochinver

Assynt base — Suilven, Cul Mor, Quinag

26km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Meallan a' Chuail — common questions

How hard is Meallan a' Chuail?: Meallan a' Chuail is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 615m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: Excellent stalkers' path on the approach, then knobbly trackless gneiss requiring constant route-choice between outcrops.
Where do I park for Meallan a' Chuail?: Standard parking is at NC393320 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 Meallan a' Chuail?: The standard good-weather months for Meallan a' Chuail 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 Meallan a' Chuail?: 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 Meallan a' Chuail?: No signal in this remote Loch Morar/Knoydart area
Is Meallan a' Chuail safe in winter?: A short hill but the surrounding terrain becomes a navigation puzzle in snow as the small lochans and outcrops merge into one white surface. Sub-zero days bring rime to the gneiss; eye to weather windows is essential at this latitude.