Munro · Fife & Perthshire
Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain)
Stuchd an Lochain (960m) — "peak of the lochan" — is the dramatic Munro that rises directly above Loch an Daimh in upper Glen Lyon, paired with its eastern neighbour Meall Buidhe across the Giorra dam. The hill is famous for its great curving north corrie, with the summit perched at the edge of a 300m drop to the Lochan nan Cat below. The standard ascent from the dam is short but uncompromisingly steep.
Gaelic: “cliff-like hill, the, small loch, the” · Pronunciation: stoochk an loch-een (stuchd an lochain)
Quick facts
- Height
- 959.5m/ 3148ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 844 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN483448
- Parking
- NN511464
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Dam track 30% · Corrie approach 35% · Summit ridge 35%
Park at the Giorra dam at the east end of Loch an Daimh in upper Glen Lyon — among the longest single-track road approaches in the Highlands. From the dam, climb the steep south-east shoulder of Stuchd an Lochain directly via Creag an Fheadain. The summit cairn perches at the edge of the great north corrie. Most parties combine with Meall Buidhe to the east for a two-Munro day; total round 13km with 980m of ascent.
Terrain
The Giorra dam is a substantial concrete structure — cross with care in windy conditions. The south-east shoulder of Stuchd an Lochain via Creag an Fheadain is sustained steep grass and broken rock. The summit area is a small flat top with a low cairn perched at the edge of the great north corrie cliff — keep clear of the edge in mist. The connecting ridge to Meall Buidhe is broad and easy.
In winter
A serious upper Glen Lyon winter Munro. The north corrie wind-loads with snow under southerly storms; persistent cornicing forms along the corrie rim. The Glen Lyon road is narrow single-track and prone to drifting closed. The Giorra dam stays accessible in normal conditions. SAIS Southern Cairngorms is the closest formal forecast indicator.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 42m
- Edinburgh2h 14m
OS maps: OS Landranger 51
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m. The Glen Lyon road has intermittent coverage. Download maps before the drive up the glen.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:30
- Sunset
- 22:03
- Civil dawn
- 03:28
- Civil dusk
- 23:05
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain).
Around Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain) on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain) — common questions
- How hard is Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain)?
- Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain) is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 844m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Giorra dam is a substantial concrete structure — cross with care in windy conditions.
- Where do I park for Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain)?
- Standard parking is at NN511464 near Fort William. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain)?
- The standard good-weather months for Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain) are 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 Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain)?
- 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 Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain)?
- No signal above 700m. The Glen Lyon road has intermittent coverage. Download maps before the drive up the glen.
- Is Stuc an Lochain (Stuchd an Lochain) safe in winter?
- A serious upper Glen Lyon winter Munro. The north corrie wind-loads with snow under southerly storms; persistent cornicing forms along the corrie rim. The Glen Lyon road is narrow single-track and prone to drifting closed. The Giorra dam stays accessible in normal conditions. SAIS Southern Cairngorms is the closest formal forecast indicator.
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