How prominent is Meall an Fhuarain?

Meall an Fhuarain has 215m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.

When should I 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?

On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Andrew Tryon / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · North-West Highlands

Meall an Fhuarain

Meall an Fhuarain — "hill of the cold spring" — is a grassy 472m dome in the NC51 square, lying between Loch Shin and the upper Cassley valley. A solitary lochan marks its eastern flank.

Quick facts

Height: 472m/ 1549ft
Prominence: 215 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NC 51324 30533
Nearest city: Inverness· 86km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

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Standard route

blanket bog 55% · heather moorland 30% · grassy summit 15%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Approach via the forestry tracks above Achnairn on Loch Shin, then follow a forest ride out onto open hill and curve up the south ridge. Allow 3-4 hours round trip.

Terrain

Newly thinned conifer plantations on the lower flanks open onto cropped grassland near the cairn. Watch for stumps and brash in the deer fence zone.

In winter

A relatively short day suited to crisp winter conditions when the bog is frozen. Plantation rides hold deep snow long after the open hill clears.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Meall an Fhuarain. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS The Northwest Highlands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow6h 12m
Edinburgh7h 52m

OS maps: OS Landranger 16, OS Explorer 443

Mobile signal: Very poor. Central Sutherland; no reliable coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

17h 12mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:35
Sunset: 21:11
Civil dawn: 04:47
Civil dusk: 21:59

NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 August 2026

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Around Meall an Fhuarain 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

26km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Durness

Cape Wrath base; Smoo Cave; Sandwood Bay walk-in

39km from the hill

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Meall an Fhuarain — common questions

Is Meall an Fhuarain a hard climb?: Meall an Fhuarain is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Newly thinned conifer plantations on the lower flanks open onto cropped grassland near the cairn.
How prominent is Meall an Fhuarain?: Meall an Fhuarain has 215m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
When should I 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?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Meall an Fhuarain?: Very poor. Central Sutherland; no reliable coverage.
Is Meall an Fhuarain safe in winter?: A relatively short day suited to crisp winter conditions when the bog is frozen. Plantation rides hold deep snow long after the open hill clears.

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