Marilyn · Kintail
Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean
Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean — the dun-coloured lump of the lads' grove — reaches 598m at NH 156 377 deep in the country between Strathconon and Monar. A long Gaelic name for a hill that few visit; the lads' grove may refer to a stand of birch in the corrie below the summit.
Quick facts
- Height
- 598.8m/ 1965ft
- Prominence
- 177 m
- Grid ref
- NH 15625 37769
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 51km
- 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 moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
A committing day from Inverchoran at the head of Strathconon. Walk in via the estate track, then climb pathless ground onto the south-east ridge. Plan for 6-7 hours and around 18km on the ground.
Terrain
Estate track to about 6km, then deep heather, peat hags and tussock all the way to the summit. Spongy ground holds water long after rain; gaiters strongly recommended.
In winter
Snow lies on the summit dome from December into early April most years. The featureless plateau is a serious navigational test in cloud — compass bearings and a backup are essential, and a winter axe useful for descending firm snow.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 30m
- Edinburgh6h 8m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25, OS Explorer 430
Mobile signal: Near zero. No mobile signal; take a PLB on this remote hill.
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 Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean — common questions
- What difficulty is Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean?
- On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean comes in at 2/5 — moderate. Terrain: Estate track to about 6km, then deep heather, peat hags and tussock all the way to the summit.
- How prominent is Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean?
- Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean has 177m 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 Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean?
- The standard good-weather months for Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean 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 Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean?
- Near zero. No mobile signal; take a PLB on this remote hill.
- Is Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean safe in winter?
- Snow lies on the summit dome from December into early April most years. The featureless plateau is a serious navigational test in cloud — compass bearings and a backup are essential, and a winter axe useful for descending firm snow.
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