Meall nan Tarmachan

About Meall nan Tarmachan

Rising above the high pass near Killin, this Munro serves as the gateway to one of the Southern Highlands' most celebrated ridge walks. While the initial climb is straightforward, the subsequent traverse west across narrow, rocky crests provides a dramatic perspective over Loch Tay and the massive bulk of neighbouring Ben Lawers.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Meall nan Tarmachan', which translates as 'Hill of the Ptarmigans'. These hardy, camouflaged birds are frequently spotted on the higher scree slopes, often heard before they are seen.
• •On the south-western slopes of the ridge near Creag na Caillich lies a rare Neolithic stone axe factory. Ancient toolmakers sought out the specific calc-silicate hornfels found here, a tough rock that was highly prized for creating durable blades.
• •While the summit itself is an easy bag from the Lawers car park, the full traverse involves a short, rocky scramble known as the 'bad step' on Meall Garbh. It is easily negotiated in good weather but requires a steady hand when the rock is greasy.
• •The summit offers an exceptional vantage point for studying the geomorphology of the Lawers range to the east, while looking south-west provides a clear view of the Crianlarich hills, including the distinctive twin peaks of Ben More and Stob Binnein.
• •Creag na Caillich, the final peak on the ridge traverse, is famously recorded at 2999.7 feet—missing out on the 3,000-foot benchmark by a mere four inches, much to the frustration of list-purists.