Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Meadie Ridge
Meadie Ridge is a low 414m crest in the NC49 grid square overlooking Loch Meadie, well east of Altnaharra. Reedy lochans dotted across its plateau give it a Flow Country flavour.
Quick facts
- Height
- 414m/ 1358ft
- Grid ref
- NC 49931 43791
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 100km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
blanket bog 60% · heather moorland 25% · rocky summit 15%
Start from the B873 at Altnaharra, cross the Allt Eileag and follow the gentle east shoulder onto the ridge. Roughly 5 hours pathless walking.
Terrain
A long crossing of saturated blanket peat punctuated by reed-fringed pool systems. The ridge itself is firmer with patches of quartz scree.
In winter
Far easier travelling when the peat is frozen solid. Short December daylight makes a pre-dawn start essential.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow7h 31m
- Edinburgh7h 10m
OS maps: OS Landranger 9, OS Explorer 447S
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote north Sutherland; no reliable coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:11
- Sunset
- 22:27
- Civil dawn
- 02:53
- Civil dusk
- 23:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Meadie Ridge on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Meadie Ridge — common questions
- How hard is Meadie Ridge?
- Meadie Ridge is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: A long crossing of saturated blanket peat punctuated by reed-fringed pool systems.
- When is the best time to climb Meadie Ridge?
- The standard good-weather months for Meadie Ridge are March, 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 Meadie Ridge?
- 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 Meadie Ridge?
- Poor. Remote north Sutherland; no reliable coverage.
- Is Meadie Ridge safe in winter?
- Far easier travelling when the peat is frozen solid. Short December daylight makes a pre-dawn start essential.
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