3,120 ft · Central Highlands, Scotland
Meall Chuaich
Meall Chuaich is a 3,120 ft peak in the Central Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Stac Meall Chuaich: 8 mi, 2,010 ft of gain, Class 1.
Meall Chuaich at a glance
- Elevation3,120 ft950 m
- RouteNormal Route via Stac Meall ChuaichClass 1
- Distance8 mi2,010 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Oct
- RangeCentral HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Normal Route via Stac Meall Chuaich
From Dalwhinnie, drive north on the A9 for about four kilometres and start from Layby 94 on the A9 near Cuaich, on the southbound side just south of the Cuaich cottages. A gated estate track follows a concrete aqueduct past a small hydro station and a locked private bothy toward Loch Cuaich, and a mountain bike saves time on this flat stretch. A Class 1 path then climbs steeply through heather over the shoulder of Stac Meall Chuaich to the broad summit cairn. The lower path is boggy and eroded, and the wide top needs a compass in mist. A good short winter outing; return the same way.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Boggy terrain
- Low visibility
- High winds
Quests with Meall Chuaich
MunrosPeaks near Meall Chuaich
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Meall Chuaich?
Meall Chuaich is 3,120 feet (950 m) tall. It is in the Central Highlands, Scotland.
How does Meall Chuaich rank among the Munros?
At 3,120 feet, Meall Chuaich is the 214th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Meall Chuaich?
The Normal Route via Stac Meall Chuaich is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 8 miles with 2,010 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Meall Chuaich?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Normal Route via Stac Meall Chuaich, covering 8 miles with 2,010 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Meall Chuaich?
Usually, if you are fit. The Normal Route via Stac Meall Chuaich is a common first summit for hikers ready for 5 – 7 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Meall Chuaich?
The usual hiking window is May to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Meall Chuaich with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list