Meikle Millyea

About Meikle Millyea

Marking the southern terminus of the Rhinns of Kells ridge, this bulky Donald offers a gentler character than the rugged hills of the Merrick. The ascent from Clatteringshaws leads over peat hags to a wide, grassy summit plateau, rewarding walkers with sprawling views across the Loch Dee basin toward the Silver Flowe.

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Did You Know?

• •The name combines the Scots 'Meikle' (big) with a Gaelic root, likely Meall Liath, meaning 'Grey Hill'. It sits alongside its smaller neighbour, Little Millyea, forming the southern anchor of the range.
• •Most walkers approach from the south via the Forest of Buchan, though the hill is most satisfyingly climbed as the final peak of the long, high-level traverse from Corserine.
• •From the summit cairn, there are excellent views west over the Silver Flowe—a rare, undisturbed peat bog system—towards the rugged granite cliffs of the Dungeon Hills and the remote waters of Loch Dee.
• •Despite the name suggesting a 'Grey Hill', the predominant colour encountered by most walkers is the deep, saturated brown of the extensive peat hags that guard the southern slopes.