Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Meall an Fhuarain
Meall an Fhuarain — rounded hill of the spring — rises to 578m at NC 280 023 on the moor north of Oykel Bridge. The name marks a perennial spring on its eastern flank, still flowing strongly even in dry summers and noted on the OS map as a watering point for the deer forest.
Quick facts
- Height
- 578m/ 1896ft
- Grid ref
- NC 28052 02364
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 69km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 60% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 15%
Walk in from the A837 at Rosehall, following the Cassley track north for around 5km before turning west onto open hill. The spring at NC 285 020 makes a natural lunch stop. A 5-6 hour round trip.
Terrain
Mostly Moine schist with bands of limestone outcropping near the spring — unusual in this part of Sutherland and reflected in greener turf around the water. The summit ground is dry heather and short grass.
In winter
Springs that flow year-round provide useful navigation marks in snow. The hill faces east and dries quickly; on the cold-clear days of late winter it makes a fine viewpoint across to Ben More Assynt without the commitment.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 44m
- Edinburgh7h 53m
OS maps: OS Landranger 15, OS Explorer 439E
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Sutherland or Wester Ross; limited coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:16
- Sunset
- 22:24
- Civil dawn
- 03:01
- Civil dusk
- 23:39
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Meall an Fhuarain on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Meall an Fhuarain — common questions
- How hard is Meall an Fhuarain?
- Meall an Fhuarain is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Mostly Moine schist with bands of limestone outcropping near the spring — unusual in this part of Sutherland and reflected in greener turf around the water.
- When is the best time to climb Meall an Fhuarain?
- The standard good-weather months for Meall an Fhuarain 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 Fhuarain?
- 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 Fhuarain?
- Poor. Remote Sutherland or Wester Ross; limited coverage.
- Is Meall an Fhuarain safe in winter?
- Springs that flow year-round provide useful navigation marks in snow. The hill faces east and dries quickly; on the cold-clear days of late winter it makes a fine viewpoint across to Ben More Assynt without the commitment.
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