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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 36: Meall Garbh (Lawers Range)

Region: Firth of Clyde to Strathtay
Height: 1,118m (3,668 ft)

Meall Garbh is one of the central peaks in the Lawers Range, often climbed as part of a multi-Munro circuit. Though less prominent than Ben Lawers itself, it offers a satisfying ascent and expansive views across Loch Tay and the Tarmachan hills. For campervan travellers, access is straightforward, with good parking and nearby facilities.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Ben Lawers Nature Reserve Car Park

  • Location: Off the minor road from Killin to Glen Lyon
  • Grid Reference: NN608378
  • Capacity: Moderate; suitable for daytime campervan access
  • Facilities: Toilets (seasonal), information boards
  • Charges: Free
  • Overnight: Not permitted

Alternative Options

  • Killin: Campsite with full facilities, 15-minute drive from the trailhead
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys along the Glen Lochay road (check signage)
  • Bridge of Balgie: Alternative access for extended circuits

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Lawers Ridge Circuit via Beinn Ghlas

  • Distance: Approximately 13 km round trip
  • Elevation Gain: Around 1,250 metres
  • Terrain: Well-defined paths, grassy ridges, occasional rocky sections
  • Time Estimate: 5 to 7 hours

Distance and elevation may vary depending on summit extensions and the descent route.

Navigation Notes

  • Ridge is well-marked but can be confusing in mist; a map and compass are recommended
  • Often combined with Beinn Ghlas, Ben Lawers, and An Stuc for a four-Munro day
  • Weather exposure is moderate; the route is popular and well-trodden

Summit Grid Ref: NN644414 — useful for GPS and mapping

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Ben Lawers Nature Reserve Car Park allows daytime campervan access
  • Killin offers overflow options and amenities

Overnight Options

  • Killin Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking may be possible in designated laybys (check signage)
  • No overnighting permitted at Ben Lawers trailhead

Fuel and Supplies

  • Killin: Fuel station, shop, café
  • Nearest large supermarket: Aberfeldy

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Meall Garbh” translates to “rough, rounded hill”
  • Summit features: Cairn with views across Glen Lyon and the Lawers massif
  • Known for: Central position in the Lawers ridge, pairing potential, and accessible ascent
  • Popular with: Ridge walkers and those building multi-Munro days

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 36 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Meall Garbh, linked it with Ben Lawers, or found a reliable overnight spot nearby, feel free to share your comments. Your insights help shape the archive and support fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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