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3,685 ft · Southern Highlands, Scotland

Meall Garbh

Meall Garbh is a 3,685 ft peak in the Southern Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the East Ridge from Lawers: 7 mi, 3,120 ft of gain, Class 2.

Meall Garbh in the Southern Highlands, Scotland

Meall Garbh at a glance

  • Elevation3,685 ft1,123 m
  • RouteEast Ridge from LawersClass 2
  • Distance7 mi3,120 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Sep
  • RangeSouthern HighlandsScotland

Climbing the East Ridge from Lawers

From Killin or Kenmore, drive the A827 along the north side of Loch Tay to Lawers. Start from the Lawers Hotel car park (parking charge), walk east with care along the main road and take the track beside the antler carving cottage, keeping straight on where the track bends. Continue up the Lawers Burn, then climb to the bealach below Meall Greigh and follow the rising ridge west over a rocky minor top to the double summit. Class 2 without a continuous path. Usually climbed with Meall Greigh and An Stuc on the Coire nan Cat round. The lower slopes and the return from the lochan are boggy.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 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
  • High winds
  • Low visibility
  • Steep exposure

Quests with Meall Garbh

Peaks near Meall Garbh

  1. An Stùc

    An Stùc

    3,668 ft · 0.5 mi away

  2. Ben Lawers

    Ben Lawers

    3,983 ft · 1.6 mi away

  3. Meall Greigh

    Meall Greigh

    3,284 ft · 1.8 mi away

  4. Meall a' Choire Léith

    Meall a' Choire Léith

    3,038 ft · 2.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Meall Garbh?

Meall Garbh is 3,685 feet (1,123 m) tall. It is in the Southern Highlands, Scotland.

How does Meall Garbh rank among the Munros?

At 3,685 feet, Meall Garbh is the 32nd highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Meall Garbh?

The East Ridge from Lawers is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 7 miles with 3,120 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Meall Garbh?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the East Ridge from Lawers, covering 7 miles with 3,120 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Meall Garbh?

Usually, if you are fit. The East Ridge from Lawers 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 Garbh?

The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Meall Garbh 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