![Meall Bhanbhaidh [Meall Bhanabhie]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fgeophotos%2F05%2F36%2F57%2F5365795_c056aa26.jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_HxnhrACFBuHaG2wuQvfDwvzaqGXF)
Marilyn · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Meall Bhanbhaidh [Meall Bhanabhie]
Meall Bhanbhaidh, also written Meall Bhanabhie, is the 326m heather knoll directly above Banavie at the foot of Neptunes Staircase on the Caledonian Canal. Despite its low height, the position immediately opposite Ben Nevis gives one of the best front-row views of Britains highest mountain.
Quick facts
- Height
- 326.7m/ 1072ft
- Grid ref
- NN 11582 78949
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 5km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
heather moorland 55% · rocky slopes 30% · grass slopes 15%
From the canal at Banavie, follow the towpath briefly then strike up forestry tracks on the west side of the hill. A clear track most of the way, with a short open finish to the summit. Around 2 hours circular, ideal as a short outing from Fort William.
Terrain
Forestry tracks underfoot for most of the climb, with a short heather pull at the top. The lower paths are well-graded; the summit area is clear-felled in places and the ground can be churned by machinery in winter.
In winter
Only 326m and just outside Fort William — snow is mostly cosmetic and seldom prevents the walk. Frozen forestry tracks are the main issue in cold spells. Spikes useful; no real winter difficulty.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 23m
- Edinburgh5h 27m
OS maps: OS Landranger 41, OS Explorer 392, OS Explorer 399
Mobile signal: Good. Fort William transmitters give reliable coverage across the hill.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:26
- Sunset
- 22:16
- Civil dawn
- 03:20
- Civil dusk
- 23:22
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Meall Bhanbhaidh [Meall Bhanabhie] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Banavie station
Neptune's Staircase; alternate Fort William access; Great Glen Way
2km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Fort William
Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber
5km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William — Lochaber distillery at the foot of the Ben; long-aged Japanese-owned classics
3km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Meall Bhanbhaidh [Meall Bhanabhie] — common questions
- How hard is Meall Bhanbhaidh [Meall Bhanabhie]?
- Meall Bhanbhaidh [Meall Bhanabhie] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forestry tracks underfoot for most of the climb, with a short heather pull at the top.
- When is the best time to climb Meall Bhanbhaidh [Meall Bhanabhie]?
- The standard good-weather months for Meall Bhanbhaidh [Meall Bhanabhie] 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 Bhanbhaidh [Meall Bhanabhie]?
- 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 Bhanbhaidh [Meall Bhanabhie]?
- Good. Fort William transmitters give reliable coverage across the hill.
- Is Meall Bhanbhaidh [Meall Bhanabhie] safe in winter?
- Only 326m and just outside Fort William — snow is mostly cosmetic and seldom prevents the walk. Frozen forestry tracks are the main issue in cold spells. Spikes useful; no real winter difficulty.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.