Marilyn · Arran
Meall nan Damh
Hill of the Stags, the highest summit of the long Knapdale ridge looking eastward across Kilbrannan Sound to Arran. A quiet, little-walked hill that rewards the patient with a striking ridge skyline of granite peaks across the water.
Gaelic: “rounded hill, of the, stag” · Pronunciation: myowl nan dav
Quick facts
- Height
- 570m/ 1870ft
- Prominence
- 178 m
- Grid ref
- NR 91091 46897
- Nearest city
- Glasgow· 70km
- 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
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
Best approached from the B8024 west of Tarbert, following forestry tracks then breaking out onto open hillside on the south-east shoulder. Around 9km and 600m of ascent — three to four hours for a fit walker.
Terrain
Conifer plantation, felled blocks and deer fences on the lower slopes; trackless heather and tussock above. The summit area is bog and grass with a small cairn.
In winter
Snow rarely settles deep on the Knapdale tops but the forestry tracks ice quickly. The biggest hazard is the felled forestry — brash piles are treacherous when frozen.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 49m
- Edinburgh6h 34m
Ferry access
Ardrossan → Brodick
- Crossing time55 min
- Summer sailingsUp to 6 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings3–4 sailings daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead7 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable — last departure varies seasonally
Foot passengers welcome without booking. Book vehicle space well in advance in summer. A seasonal alternative runs Claonaig → Lochranza (30 min) in summer.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 62, OS Landranger 69, OS Explorer 361N
Mobile signal: Weak. no EE bars on this remote Knapdale hill; nearest coverage near Lochgilphead.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:23
- Sunset
- 21:33
- Civil dawn
- 04:34
- Civil dusk
- 22:21
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Meall nan Damh on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Largs station
Cumbrae ferry; Ayrshire coast; Nardini's
32km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Brodick
Arran base — Goat Fell, Glen Rosa, the Arran ridge
15km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Arran
Lochranza — northern Arran; revived in 1995; rich sherried releases
4km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Meall nan Damh — common questions
- What difficulty is Meall nan Damh?
- On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Meall nan Damh comes in at 2/5 — moderate. Terrain: Conifer plantation, felled blocks and deer fences on the lower slopes; trackless heather and tussock above.
- How prominent is Meall nan Damh?
- Meall nan Damh has 178m 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 nan Damh?
- The standard good-weather months for Meall nan Damh 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 nan Damh?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Meall nan Damh?
- Weak. no EE bars on this remote Knapdale hill; nearest coverage near Lochgilphead.
- How do I get the ferry to Meall nan Damh?
- Ardrossan → Brodick. Up to 6 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 3–4 sailings daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 7 days ahead. Foot passengers welcome without booking. Book vehicle space well in advance in summer. A seasonal alternative runs Claonaig → Lochranza (30 min) in summer.
- Is Meall nan Damh safe in winter?
- Snow rarely settles deep on the Knapdale tops but the forestry tracks ice quickly. The biggest hazard is the felled forestry — brash piles are treacherous when frozen.
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