Meall nan Tarmachan (Summit Only)

A Quick Munro Bag with Big Highland Views

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For hikers short on time or avoiding ridge exposure, ascending Meall nan Tarmachan via Ben Lawers offers an accessible Munro summit with solid rewards. It’s a steep yet well-defined route up to 1044 m, delivering dramatic Highland panoramas—with none of the scramble.

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Walk Snapshot

• Location: Near Killin, Perthshire, Central Highlands
  
  
• Distance: ~6.5 km round trip (4.9 mi)
  
  
• Time: 2.5–3.5 hrs (out-and-back) ()
  
  
• Elevation Gain: ~600 m from Ben Lawers car park (approx. 400 m start elevation)
  
  
• Difficulty: Moderate—steep slopes, no technical sections
  
  
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
  
  
• Start/Finish Point: Ben Lawers car park (National Trust for Scotland)
  
  
• Dog Friendly: Yes—no ridge exposure or technical ground
  
  
• Highlights: Summit cairn at 1044 m, sweeping views over Loch Tay, Ben Lawers, Glen Lyon
  
  

Route Description

1. From Ben Lawers Car Park

Park at the Ben Lawers NTS car park (charges apply). Head south on the clear path directly opposite the barrier—signposted for Meall nan Tarmachan.

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2. Ascent Through Grassy Slopes

The path rises gradually at first, then steepens through grassy hillside. Good footing throughout eases the climb—no rocky traverse needed.

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3. Summit Push

After a steady incline, the path rises more sharply toward the summit. No scrambling required; follow cairns and well-worn ground to the 1044 m summit.

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4. Summit – Meall nan Tarmachan

Celebrate at the cairn—views span the Tarmachan Ridge, Loch Tay, Ben Lawers, Glen Lyon, and beyond. The Gaelic name means “Hill of the Ptarmigans”.

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5. Return the Same Way

Retrace your steps to the car park. Poles help on descent, and weather can be colder at the summit—bring layers.

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Highlights

• Fastest route to a Munro summit in the Tarmachan range
  
  
• Safe and scenic: no scrambling or ridge exposure
  
  
• Panoramic vistas: Loch Tay, Highland ridges, ptarmigan habitat
  
  
• High start makes it a short route with big payoff
  
  

Facilities & Nearby Stops

• Parking: Pay-and-display at Ben Lawers car park (managed by National Trust for Scotland)
  
  
• Toilets: None at the car park—nearest facilities in Killin village
  
  
• Refreshments: Cafés and village pubs in Killin or nearby Forteviot
  
  
• Extensions: Option to continue along the Tarmachan Ridge (adds ~7 km)
  
  

Tips for Peak Success

• Start early to beat car park crowds
  
  
• Layer properly—summit weather can shift fast
  
  
• Use poles for support on the descent
  
  
• Select sturdy footwear—path can be wet or eroded
  
  
• Check weather along the ridge if planning to extend beyond the summit
  
  

Final Thoughts

Meall nan Tarmachan via Ben Lawers is an ideal way to bag a Munro with efficiency and views. It’s a half-day Highland climb that feels properly worthwhile—no schedule overhaul required.

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Photo by Phil Reid on Unsplash