Marilyn · Kintail
Meall Innis an Loichel
Meall Innis an Loichel — the lump of the little loch's meadow — reaches 390m at NH 204 389 between Strathconon and Glen Orrin. A small lochan tucked into the eastern flank, with reedy ground around it, gives the hill its descriptive Gaelic name.
Quick facts
- Height
- 390m/ 1280ft
- Prominence
- 171 m
- Grid ref
- NH 20423 38948
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 46km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
From Inverchoran in Strathconon, take the estate track up Gleann Fhiodhaig for a short distance then strike north over rough ground. The summit is a gentle rise from the surrounding moor. Around 3-4 hours.
Terrain
Estate track on the lower approach. Above the track the ground is consistently boggy with deep sphagnum hollows; the lochan side stays sodden even in dry summers. Summit firmer with cropped grass.
In winter
A low Marilyn that benefits from frost — the persistent bog freezes hard and walking speeds up. Snowfall here is light and short-lived; the main winter consideration is short daylight.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 26m
- Edinburgh6h 59m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25, OS Explorer 430
Mobile signal: Poor. No dependable coverage; EE dies at the trailhead.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:12
- Sunset
- 21:41
- Civil dawn
- 04:19
- Civil dusk
- 22:34
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Meall Innis an Loichel on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Meall Innis an Loichel — common questions
- How difficult is Meall Innis an Loichel?
- Meall Innis an Loichel carries a 1/5 (easy) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Ground conditions: Estate track on the lower approach.
- How much drop does Meall Innis an Loichel have?
- The drop is 171m: measured from the summit of Meall Innis an Loichel down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
- What's the best month to climb Meall Innis an Loichel?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Meall Innis an Loichel. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Meall Innis an Loichel?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Meall Innis an Loichel?
- Poor. No dependable coverage; EE dies at the trailhead.
- Is Meall Innis an Loichel safe in winter?
- A low Marilyn that benefits from frost — the persistent bog freezes hard and walking speeds up. Snowfall here is light and short-lived; the main winter consideration is short daylight.
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