Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Meall nan Clach Ruadha
The name means 'rounded hill' in Gaelic. A low-level 336m summit in the far northeast near Helmsdale that proves hills do not need to be high to be rewarding. The prominence gives this Marilyn genuine character.
Gaelic: “rounded hill” · Pronunciation: myowl
Quick facts
- Height
- 336m/ 1102ft
- Difficulty
- 1 / 5Easy
- Grid ref
- NC 60516 56979
Download GPX route file
Standard route
Standard route
A short, accessible walk via rough paths through the emptiest landscape in mainland Britain to the 336m summit. The low altitude and gentle gradients make this achievable in 1-3 hours.
Terrain
Ancient Lewisian gneiss and Torridonian sandstone underfoot — some of the oldest rock in Europe. The terrain is rough and boggy between outcrops.
In winter
Northwest Highland winters are dominated by wind rather than deep snow. The maritime climate brings frequent freeze-thaw. Navigation in low cloud is the primary challenge.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow7h 47m
- Edinburgh7h 15m
OS maps: OS Landranger 10, OS Explorer 447N, OS Explorer 448N
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:21
- Sunset
- 21:08
- Civil dawn
- 04:31
- Civil dusk
- 21:58
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026