Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from a car park high on the hill road from Loch Tay over to Glen Lyon, above the Ben Lawers car park, and goes out and back. A path climbs west over the south-east top (922 m) to the summit of Meall nan Tarmachan (1,044 m), the highest point of the knobbly Tarmachan ridge. Apart from a short stretch of track it is on path, mostly rough mountain ground with some steeper, rougher sections.
It is 6.9 km with 616 m of ascent; allow about 4 hours. The grade is Hard because of the steep, rough ground higher up; starting at over 450 m saves some climbing.
The hill is part of the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve. In mist the knobbly ground around the summit is confusing, so navigate with map and compass, check the forecast and use your judgement. In winter the upper slopes need ice axe and crampons. There are no mapped water sources on the route.
The car park is free and has no name on the map; the road to it leaves the A827 beside Loch Tay.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The Tarmachans are a knobbly ridge west of Ben Lawers
- Part of the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve
- Starts high on the road over to Glen Lyon
Summits on the way
- Meall nan Tarmachan South Top [Meall nan Tarmachan SE Top] 922 m · passed close by
- Meall nan Tarmachan 1,044 m
Getting there
Start: Car park on the Glen Lyon road, above the Ben Lawers car park · Free parking. 56.51550, -4.27109
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Car park on the Glen Lyon road: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
