3,425 ft · Southern Highlands, Scotland
Meall nan Tarmachan
Meall nan Tarmachan is a 3,425 ft peak in the Southern Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Tarmachan Ridge: 8 mi, 2,570 ft of gain, Class 2.
Meall nan Tarmachan at a glance
- Elevation3,425 ft1,043 m
- RouteTarmachan RidgeClass 2
- Distance8 mi2,570 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeSouthern HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Tarmachan Ridge
From Killin, drive east on the A827 along Loch Tay and turn up the signed hill road towards Glen Lyon. Start from the Ben Lawers NNR car park (National Trust for Scotland, parking charge for non-members), cross the old track and climb the grassy ridge north over the southeast top to the summit. The traverse continues west over Meall Garbh, Beinn nan Eachan and Creag na Caillich. Class 2, with a narrow crest on Meall Garbh and a rocky bad step on its descent that can be bypassed. The return from the ridge crosses rough bog to a quarry track. An out-and-back to the summit is shorter.
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
- Knife-edge ridge
- Boggy terrain
- High winds
- Low visibility
Quests with Meall nan Tarmachan
MunrosPeaks near Meall nan Tarmachan
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Meall nan Tarmachan?
Meall nan Tarmachan is 3,425 feet (1,043 m) tall. It is in the Southern Highlands, Scotland.
How does Meall nan Tarmachan rank among the Munros?
At 3,425 feet, Meall nan Tarmachan is the 89th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Meall nan Tarmachan?
The Tarmachan Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 8 miles with 2,570 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Meall nan Tarmachan?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Tarmachan Ridge, covering 8 miles with 2,570 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Meall nan Tarmachan?
Usually, if you are fit. The Tarmachan Ridge 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 nan Tarmachan?
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 nan Tarmachan 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