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
- Grid ref
- NC 51324 30533
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 86km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
blanket bog 55% · heather moorland 30% · grassy summit 15%
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.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
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
- Sunrise
- 04:15
- Sunset
- 22:28
- Civil dawn
- 02:58
- Civil dusk
- 23:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 27 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 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Newly thinned conifer plantations on the lower flanks open onto cropped grassland near the cairn.
- 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?
- 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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