Region: Southern Highlands – Glen Lochay
Height: 1,039m (3,409 ft)
Meall Ghaordaidh, “hill of the herdsman,” rises in pastoral solitude between Glen Lochay and Glen Lyon, west of the Tarmachan Ridge. Though often described as a rounded dome, its northern face reveals crags and rocky outcrops, offering a quiet contrast to the smoother southern slopes. The summit is marked by a trig point and cairn, with panoramic views across Ben Lawers, Loch Tay, and the sculptural folds of Beinn nan Oighreag. For campervan travellers, access begins near Duncroisk, with informal staging along the Glen Lochay Road.
Trailhead and Parking
Primary Access Point: Roadside near Duncroisk
Location: Approximately 5 km west of Killin, just beyond the Bridge of Lochay Hotel
Grid Reference: NN514364 (trailhead)
Summit Grid Reference: NN514397
Capacity: Informal roadside layby; suitable for short campervans during the day
Facilities: None at the trailhead
Charges: Free
Overnight: Not permitted at the trailhead; wild staging possible with discretion
Nearby Options
- Killin: Campsite with full amenities and ceremonial staging
- Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys along Glen Lochay (check signage)
- Aberfeldy and Callander: Additional supplies and overnight options
Route Overview
Standard Ascent: Track and hillside route via Allt Dhuin Croisg
Distance: Approximately 9 km round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 900 metres
Terrain: Faint paths, grassy slopes, wet ground, twisting final ascent
Time Estimate: 4.5 to 6 hours
Extensions:
- Northern approach from Glen Lyon offers craggy terrain and optional scrambles
- Summit ridge flattens around 700m before steepening again
Navigation Notes
- Path fades quickly above the wall; upper slopes often mist-bound
- Summit marked by a trig point and a cairn
- A map and compass are essential; a GPS is helpful for summit identification and descent
- The northern approach requires confident navigation and scrambling experience
Campervan Suitability
Day Parking
- Duncroisk layby allows discreet daytime campervan access
- Road is narrow and winding, approach with care
Overnight Options
- Killin Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
- Wild laybys along Glen Lochay (low impact only)
- Community-supported staging in Killin village
Fuel and Supplies
- Killin: Fuel station, small shop, café, outdoor gear
- Aberfeldy and Callander: Larger supermarkets and medical services
- Water refill: Recommended before entering Glen Lochay
Legacy Log
- Name origin: “Meall Ghaordaidh” translates to “hill of the herdsman”
- Summit features: Trig point and cairn with views across Ben Lawers, Loch Tay, and Beinn nan Oighreag
- Known for: Gentle ascent, trig-point summit, and sacred pacing
- Popular with: Legacy stewards, wilderness pilgrims, and those seeking pastoral solitude
Closing Notes
This is Munro Profile 93 in your campervan-access series. If you have traced the herdsman’s hush, paused at the trig crest, or found a rhythm in Lochay’s sculptural folds, your reflections are welcome. Each insight helps shape the archive and supports 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: