How hard is Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean?

Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Estate track to about 6km, then deep heather, peat hags and tussock all the way to the summit.

When is the best time to 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?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean?

Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Estate track to about 6km, then deep heather, peat hags and tussock all the way to the summit.

When is the best time to 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?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Trevor Littlewood / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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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
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NH 15625 37769
Nearest city: Inverness· 51km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

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.

Outside the SAIS network. kintail is not covered by a Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast area. In winter, use MWIS West Highlands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow5h 30m
Edinburgh6h 8m

OS maps: OS Landranger 25, OS Explorer 430

Mobile signal: Very poor. No mobile signal; carry a PLB on this remote hill.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

20h 18mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:22
Sunset: 22:20
Civil dawn: 03:12
Civil dusk: 23:30

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Plockton station

Coastal Wester Ross; Plockton village; Skye Bridge approach

35km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Inverness

Highland capital — gateway to Cairngorms, Affric, Far North

51km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean — common questions

How hard is Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean?: Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Estate track to about 6km, then deep heather, peat hags and tussock all the way to the summit.
When is the best time to 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?: 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 Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean?: Very poor. No mobile signal; carry 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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