Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Meall an Fheadain
Meall an Fheadain sits on the rugged Rubha Mor peninsula north-west of Achiltibuie, the NB prefix flagging its Outer Hebrides-edge position. From its 204m top the Summer Isles strew the sea below, with the Coigach giants rising to the east — an extraordinary panorama for so little altitude.
Quick facts
- Height
- 204m/ 669ft
- Grid ref
- NB 99883 10949
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 93km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
Park at Reiff (NB 96 14) and follow the rough coastal track south-east, then strike across the cnocan moor onto the summit dome. The cairn perches on a small gneiss boss above sea-pinks and lichen. About 6 km return with 230m of climb.
Terrain
A trackless tour across pure Lewisian gneiss — bare rock domes alternating with peat hollows and wee lochans. Sea cliffs lie close by on the west, requiring respect in mist.
In winter
Sea-level temperatures mean snow rarely settles, and the hill makes a fine winter half-day when mainland tops are out of condition. Salt spray combined with frost makes the gneiss slabs glassy in places.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 22m
- Edinburgh8h 52m
OS maps: OS Landranger 15, OS Explorer 439W
Mobile signal: Poor. No EE signal on summit; Vodafone also absent on this remote Sutherland hill.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:17
- Sunset
- 22:27
- Civil dawn
- 03:02
- Civil dusk
- 23:42
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Meall an Fheadain on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Meall an Fheadain — common questions
- How hard is Meall an Fheadain?
- Meall an Fheadain is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: A trackless tour across pure Lewisian gneiss — bare rock domes alternating with peat hollows and wee lochans.
- When is the best time to climb Meall an Fheadain?
- The standard good-weather months for Meall an Fheadain 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 Meall an Fheadain?
- 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 an Fheadain?
- Poor. No EE signal on summit; Vodafone also absent on this remote Sutherland hill.
- Is Meall an Fheadain safe in winter?
- Sea-level temperatures mean snow rarely settles, and the hill makes a fine winter half-day when mainland tops are out of condition. Salt spray combined with frost makes the gneiss slabs glassy in places.
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