Meall an Aodainn

Rising above the A9 near Dalwhinnie, this rounded Grampian hump is often overlooked in favour of the neighbouring Munro, Meall Chuaich. It offers a straightforward, heathery ascent and provides a clear perspective of the busy pass below and the sprawling, remote plateau of the Gaick Forest to the east.

• •The name derives from the Scottish Gaelic Meall an Aodainn, meaning ‘hill of the face’ or ‘hill of the forehead’, likely referring to the broad frontal slope that overlooks the Cuaich aqueduct.
• •Positioned just north of Meall Chuaich, it is frequently bypassed by walkers following the estate track toward the higher peaks, making it a quiet alternative for those seeking solitude away from the main bagging routes.
• •The summit offers a commanding view west across the Drumochter Pass to the A’ Mharconaich and Geal-chàrn massifs, providing a sense of scale for the hills guarding the pass into the Highlands.
• •While its status as a Hump is a formal classification based on prominence, the dense heather and occasional peat hags underfoot ensure the ascent feels like a significant physical 'hump' in the more literal sense.