Meall Gorm

Sitting on the eastern fringes of the Balmoral Estate, this rounded, heather-clad Tump offers a quiet perspective on the more dramatic Lochnagar massif. Located south-east of Braemar, it provides a straightforward ascent through classic Deeside moorland, rewarding walkers with clear views across the winding River Dee and the high Cairngorm peaks.

• •Translated from Scottish Gaelic, the name Meall Gorm means 'Blue Hill' or 'Blue-Green Hill,' a common descriptive term in the Highlands for a rounded summit that appears hazy or dark when viewed from a distance.
• •It occupies the sprawling high ground between Glen Muick and Braemar, often bypassed by walkers heading for the more prestigious Munros of the White Mounth circuit.
• •The hill is situated within the Royal Balmoral Estate; visitors here are likely to encounter herds of red deer and may spot mountain hares on the higher slopes where the heather begins to thin.
• •From the summit, the view west is dominated by the impressive dark corries and cliffs of Lochnagar, providing a sharp contrast to the gentler, rolling character of Meall Gorm itself.
• •Despite the name suggesting a vibrant blue, you are far more likely to find yourself surrounded by various shades of peat-brown and heather-purple, depending on the season and the persistence of the mist.